The State Library and Archives of Tasmania is undertaking a high voltage infrastructure upgrade to support growing demand and strengthen system reliability.
Enginuity Power Solutions is delivering this transition alongside Allen Built and Blackout Contractors. Together, the teams are creating a more stable, scalable and future-ready electrical network. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to delivering safe, efficient and future-ready infrastructure.
This project is a strong example of what happens when you look beyond supply and start addressing how energy is actually used within a system.
Tom Green
A site shaped by history, preparing for the future
The State Library site carries significant history. In 1962, the Library moved to its purpose-built home at 91 Murray Street. A further expansion followed in 1972, reflecting the growing role of the Library within the Tasmanian community.
Over time, the institution evolved into a comprehensive State Library Service. It now delivers reference, lending and heritage services, supported by important collections such as the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts and the WL Crowther Library.
While the purpose of the building has expanded, much of its underlying infrastructure reflects earlier design standards. As a result, the site now faces the same challenge seen across many established facilities. Systems designed for past demand must support modern expectations.
This upgrade therefore represents more than a technical change. It is part of the building’s ongoing evolution, ensuring it continues to serve the community effectively into the future.
Why high voltage infrastructure upgrades are critical
Modernising ageing infrastructure remains one of the most effective ways to improve energy performance. As electrical demand increases, many existing systems reach their design limits. This creates pressure across the network and increases the risk of disruption. As a result, energy losses, reliability risks and rising costs often go unnoticed.
The State Library site is a clear example. Historically, it has operated as a low voltage customer, supported by a substation within the building. However, increasing demand and the need for greater efficiency have driven a transition to a private high voltage connection.
This shift is not just technical. It represents a move towards a more stable and future-ready energy system.
From low voltage to private high voltage
Transforming the site into a private high voltage customer is a significant undertaking. It requires a complete redesign of how energy is received and distributed across the facility.
Work is currently concentrated in the basement car park, which is being repurposed into a dedicated high voltage switch room. This space will also house a new network switching station, forming the backbone of the upgraded system.
On site, the scale of activity is clear. Teams are forming trenches, installing cable pathways and preparing the infrastructure required to support the transition. Each step plays a critical role in improving system efficiency and reliability.
Tom Green highlights the importance of this stage. “What we are doing here is not just upgrading equipment. We are fundamentally improving how energy flows through the site, which has a direct impact on reliability and long-term performance.”
Case Study Video.
Learn more about Hobart State Library’s High Voltage upgrade by watching this short case study video here.
Consult, design, deliver in action
Delivering a project of this scale requires more than technical capability. It demands a structured, engineering-led approach that ensures every decision supports long-term outcomes.
Consult: building clarity through collaboration
Projects with multiple stakeholders require clear and consistent communication. From the outset, Enginuity Power Solutions has worked closely with key parties, including the State Government, Libraries Tasmania and the energy network provider, TasNetworks.
This consultative approach ensures that all decisions are informed by data, aligned with operational needs and supported by those responsible for the site.
Design: engineering better system performance
Effective design goes beyond compliance. It focuses on improving how the entire system performs.
At the State Library, transforming an underground car park into a high voltage switch room requires detailed planning and precision engineering. The design must meet strict safety standards while also improving energy distribution and reducing losses.
Deliver: executing with precision and accountability
Execution is where strategy becomes measurable outcomes. Delivering complex infrastructure upgrades requires coordination across multiple teams and disciplines.
This government-tendered project highlights the strength of local collaboration. Several Tasmanian businesses are working together to deliver a high-quality result:
- Allen Built is managing the overall construction and site preparation
- Blackout Contractors is leading the electrical installation
- Enginuity Power Solutions is delivering the specialised high voltage components
By working together, these teams are ensuring that the project is delivered safely and to a high technical standard.
A collaborative effort driving real outcomes
The success of this project relies on strong coordination between local specialists and state stakeholders. It also reflects the value of combining practical delivery expertise with engineering insight.
On-site progress continues to show a hive of activity, with each stage bringing the project closer to completion. More importantly, each stage contributes to a system that will perform better, last longer and use less energy.
Building smarter, safer energy systems
The State Library upgrade is more than an infrastructure project. It is an example of how thoughtful engineering can transform the way energy is used within complex environments.
Through a consult, design, deliver approach, Enginuity Power Solutions is helping to create a system that is safer and ready for the future.
Learn more about us by accessing our Capability Statement here.
Planning a high voltage upgrade?
Start with a structured assessment to understand your system capacity, risks and upgrade pathways. Contact us today and ask us about how our high voltage asset services can assist you.
