Rail electrification in Australia
Encyclopedia
With the electrification of suburban networks, which began in 1919, a consistent electric rail traction standard was not adopted. Electrification began in Melbourne
in 1919 using 1500 V DC. Sydney's lines were electrified from 1926 using 1500V DC, Brisbane
's from 1979 using 25 kV AC
, and Perth
's from 1992 using 25 kV AC. There has also been extensive non-urban electrification in Queensland
using 25 kV AC, mainly during the 1980s for the coal routes. In 2008, plans were revealed to electify Adelaide at 25kV AC. 25kV AC voltage has now become the international standard.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
in 1919 using 1500 V DC. Sydney's lines were electrified from 1926 using 1500V DC, Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
's from 1979 using 25 kV AC
25 kV AC
The 25 kV Alternating current railway electrification system is commonly used in railways worldwide, especially for high-speed rail.-Overview:This electrification system is ideal for railways that cover long distances and/or carry heavy traffic...
, and Perth
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
's from 1992 using 25 kV AC. There has also been extensive non-urban electrification in Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
using 25 kV AC, mainly during the 1980s for the coal routes. In 2008, plans were revealed to electify Adelaide at 25kV AC. 25kV AC voltage has now become the international standard.