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VOL. 15 NO. 84 - December 2011

Print Post No. PP565001/00327

All enquiries phone: +61 7 5478 9432 Email Enquiries: apen@worldpacific.com.au Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia and New Zealand each issue

Ausgrid powers up Top Ryde Pages 4-5

ActewAGL kick off safety week with new warehouse Page 19

Lend Lease now servicing the power industry L

New study confirms positive future for additional wind farm developments in South Australia

END LEASE now provides power station design, construction and operation and maintenance services, as well as power distribution network services, via the Group’s recently acquired infrastructure services business, formerly known as Conneq.

Managing Director of Lend Lease’s infrastructure services business, David Marchant, said the anticipated large-scale investment in generation and distribution assets by the power industry over the next decade, coupled with further maintenance outsourcing, provided outstanding opportunities for quality private contractors.

“We introduce the highly regarded Lend Lease brand to the Australian power industry,” Mr Marchant said. “Lend Lease is well known in Australia, with a rich history in property and construction established over the past 50 years.”

Lend Lease’s infrastructure services business, previously called Conneq, is currently completing the construction of the 550MW Mortlake Power Station in Victoria. The business is a leading installer of gas-fired generators, having constructed the Braemar 2, Neerabup and Uranquinty power stations over recent years.

The business also provides operation and maintenance services to coal-fired power stations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including continuous presence services at seven major base-load generators.

Transmission and distribution networks services are provided by a network of 13 depots across 5 states. The business employs around 300 field staff and support personnel to deliver network design, maintenance and augmentation services to the majority of the nation’s power network asset owners.

The business is also servicing large consumers of power, providing switchyards, substations and switchgear to mining companies and other industrial end-users of power.

“While we have a new name, its business as usual for our team of specialists and our clients,” added Mr Marchant. “We look forward to continuing to service the power industry.”

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Above: The Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm in regional South Australia is connected to ElectraNet’s high-voltage transmission network which extends across some 200,000 square kilometres of the state

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OUTH AUSTRALIA is on course to continue as the national leader in the cost-effective transmission grid connection of renewable energy sources, with commercially profitable development opportunities identified, according to new analysis by independent market analysts ROAM Consulting. This new study has found that up to 1050MW of additional new wind development is likely to be commercially profitable (approximately 2300MW in total) if connected to the existing electricity transmission network in areas with high-quality wind resources and available transmission network capability (eg. the Mid North region of South Australia). increase the potential for additional profitable The modelling includes a minus five per cent by 2020 carbon price trajectory (similar to the wind generation in South Australia is increased interconnection capacity between South Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future Australia and Victoria. Additional retirement policy proposal) and was found to be relatively of coal-fired generation and energy storage robust to changes in the level of the carbon technologies in South Australia would price and variations in peak demand.

‘ElectraNet delivers reliable and value-foralso increase the potential for more wind generation. money electricity transmission services to ElectraNet is currently working with the support a sustainable and prosperous South Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Australian community – and since 2004 we have to apply the Regulatory Investment Test for led the nation in supporting renewable energy Transmission (RIT-T) to a proposed 200MW developments, connecting thirteen wind farm generators to South Australia’s high-voltage upgrade of the Heywood Interconnector between South Australia and Victoria (a 40% transmission network,’ said ElectraNet’s Chief increase in transfer capacity, which will provide Executive Officer, Mr Ian Stirling. additional support for South Australia at times The capacity of commercially profitable wind of peak demand and also support higher levels would increase further under a high-energy growth scenario (including developments of generation development in South Australia).

A RIT-T Project Specification Consultation such as the Olympic Dam expansion project Report is available on ElectraNet’s website for or other mining loads), with up to 1400MW comment by market participants and interested of additional wind capacity (approximately parties on or before 30 January 2012.

2600MW in total) likely to be profitable.

The ROAM Consulting study report is The study reveals that the most significant other factor that would act to significantly available at www.electranet.com.au.

Tom Cook and staff of the

Australian Power & Energy News wish to extend

Seasons Greetings

Thermal property analysis.

Thermal resistivity testing of soil.

Testing of cable backfill material.

Design of cable bedding/backfill.

Cable route thermal surveys.

Phone: (02) 9737 9062 Web: www.geothermaust.com.au Page 2 - Australian Power & Energy News

to all of our valued advertisers and readers throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Manager: Brett Hobson brett@geothermaust.com.au

We look forward to your continued support throughout 2012.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 3

Ausgrid powers up Top Ryde C

REWS have powered up the first part of the new Top Ryde zone substation which is now supplying electricity to more than 3,500 homes and businesses in the local area.

About 150 workers including substation technicians, engineers and cable jointers spent about 18 months carrying out major work at the Buffalo Road site.

Once complete, the new Ausgrid substation will power more than 10,000 homes and business in Ryde, North Ryde, Gladesville and Tennyson Point.

The new two-storey architect-designed substation replaces the existing North Ryde zone substation that was built in 1965.

Ausgrid General Manager Transmission Trevor Armstrong said the new zone substation was a modern building that met strict environmental and safety standards.

“The Ryde area is growing rapidly on

Above: The new Top Ryde zone substation was designed with landscaping and new footpaths to maintain the amenity of the area the back of new commercial and residential developments like the Top Ryde shopping centre,” Mr Armstrong said.

“Peak demand for power in the area is growing at about three per cent a year driven by these developments and the increased use of electrical equipment like air conditioners and computers.

Above: Top Ryde Zone Substation transformer supplied by Wilson Transformer Company

“This new substation will not only power the local community of today but help to meet the area’s future electricity needs.

“Our engineers and architects have taken every step to design and build a substation that balances the need to meet increasing peak demand with the change of the local neighbourhood.

“We realise construction work on a project of this scale can impact the local neighbourhood and we’ve worked hard to keep local residents and businesses updated.”

The 132/11 kV Top Ryde zone substation houses two 50 MVA transformers, two 11,000 Volt earthing transformers, a 132,000 Volt GIS busbar rated at 1600 amps with associated 132,000 Volt gas insulated switchgear and

11,000 Volt vacuum switchgear.

Ausgrid crews also installed new sections of 132,000 Volt and 11,000 Volt underground cables between the new substation and the existing electricity network as part of the $30 million project.

Completion of the Top Ryde zone substation will allow Ausgrid to retire the existing 66/11 kV North Ryde substation in Goulding Road.

The Top Ryde zone substation project is part of Ausgrid’s $207 million investment in Sydney’s northern district region between 2009 and 2014

TAMCO SWITCHGEAR in Ausgrid’s 11kV network The Switchgear Specialist “Proud supplier of 11kV Air Insulated Switchgear to Ausgrid” Tamco has been in the business of electrical switchgear since 1964, with manufacturing facilities in Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. Tamco’s products are installed in gold mines, gas plants, electrical substations, telephone exchanges, airports, and water treatment and materials handling plants all round the world.

That’s why Tamco is The Switchgear Specialist.

Tamco Electrical Industries Australia Pty Ltd 31 Kitchen Road Dandenong Vic 3175 Phone 03 9706 7288 Fax 03 9706 9112 Email sales@tamcoaustralia.com.au Web www.tamcoaustralia.com.au Page 4 - Australian Power & energy News

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S a manufacturer of electrical switchgear since 1964, Tamco Electrical Industries Australia Pty Ltd manufactures an extensive range of switchgear for a variety of applications. Based in Dandenong, Victoria, Tamco has an international presence with sister companies in Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which also operate manufacturing facilities.

It’s a design and development power base that ensures that Tamco Australia is always able to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Local manufacturing capability allows for shortened lead times, while imports from sister companies provide an enhanced product offering.

Tamco Australia’s Low Voltage range includes motor control centres and main switchboards, as well as protection and control panels for both LV and MV applications.

Tamco Australia is responsible for local administration, marketing, sales, project management, support and purchasing of the complete range of Tamco MV Switchgear, featuring 11kV & 22kV AIS switchboards and 33kV GIS switchboards. Transportable switchrooms, fully customised, fitted out and tested, and a range of power and distribution transformers are also part of Tamco Australia’s product offering.

Tamco has played a fundamental role in the evolution of switchgear technology over the last 40 years and it’s reassuring that a company with such a wealth of experience remains at the forefront in the supply of electrical support for the utility sector. It’s something the company does extremely well, and one of the reasons why Tamco Australia

has been supplying 11kV VHIH Indoor Metalclad withdrawable vacuum switchgear for Ausgrid’s 11kV Zone Substation network under a period contract since 2006, as well as providing supervision services for Ausgrid during the installation process.

The Tamco switchgear installed at Top Ryde substation consists of 2000A Double Busbar switchboards with an AFLR IAC rating. The switchboard features 4 x 2000A Transformer panels complete with or without VTs, 8 x 630A Single Feeder panels, 10 x 800A Double Feeder panels and 3 x 2000A Bus Tie panels. In total a 25-panel 2000A Double Busbar switchboard has been successfully supplied, installed and commissioned.

Switchboards supplied by Tamco to Ausgrid’s Rose Bay, Gwawley Bay, and Balgowlah substations feature a similar arrangement.

The company continues to develop an extensive range of switchgear to respond to the diverse requirements of a variety of industry sectors. As further proof of the extraordinary and diverse capability of Tamco Australia, its products are installed in gold mines, gas plants, telephone exchanges, airports, and water treatment and materials handling plants all round the world.

Powering up Top Ryde A

USTRALIA’s leading transformer manufacturer, Wilson Transformer Company has a long and highly valued relationship with Ausgrid. Over the last five years around 140 transformers of various types have been manufactured and supplied to Ausgrid with one of their latest projects being the construction of the new Top Ryde Substation near Sydney in New Ausgrid’s new two-storey, architecturally designed substation will replace the existing North Ryde zone substation which was built in 1965. When completed, the substation will provide power to more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Ryde, North Ryde, Gladesville and Tennyson Point. The new Top Ryde zone substation represents just part of Ausgrid’s $207 million investment in Sydney’s northern district region between 2009 and 2014.

Two 50MVA transformers were supplied by Wilson Transformer Company for this particular project having previously supplied around sixty 50MVA transformers to the energy giant over recent years.

The 42.5 tonne transformers were transported by road from the company’s Power Business division in Victoria to Top Ryde and then assembled by the Wilson Transformer Company Services team at the site. As is typical of such arduous road trips it was not without its challenges, particularly when negotiating the narrow streets around Top Ryde and performing the actual delivery within the confined access to the site.

Wilson Transformer Company is currently completing a $60 million upgrade of the Glen Waverley power transformer plant as well as a significant upgrade to the Wodonga distribution transformer plant. The upgraded facilities will have 40% increased capacity, improved productivity and quality, the latest technology and safe productive manufacturing processes.

Upon completion, Wilson Transformer Company will have two world class transformer manufacturing and testing facilities, together with a capable skilled Australian workforce committed to supporting the Power Industry.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 5

Powercor to build new $13.7 million Gisborne Zone Substation to serve growing region

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ICTORIAN electricity distribution business Powercor Australia’s new $13.7 million Gisborne Zone Substation was launched today at a groundbreaking ceremony by CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny and Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor, Cr Henry McLaughlin.

The Gisborne Zone Substation will be a key electricity distribution hub ensuring the security and reliability of electricity supply in a growing Victorian region, and also cater for expected growth in demand for electricity in the area.

CitiPower and Powercor Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Shane Breheny said the Gisborne Zone Substation demonstrates Powercor’s commitment to provide customers with a safe and reliable power supply.

“The Gisborne Zone Substation will enhance Powercor’s ability to supply power to the southern Macedon Ranges area,” Mr Breheny said.

Upon completion in 2012, the new substation will supply electricity to more than 7200 customers in Gisborne, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mount Macedon, and Riddells Creek.

It will provide extra capacity in the network to cater for the vigorous growth in the area, and also contribute to improved reliability, by establishing shorter lines of supply and removing the need to carry the power through the rugged terrain of the Macedon Ranges to these communities.

The construction of the new Gisborne Zone Substation will also benefit areas served by the nearby Woodend Zone Substation as it will free up additional capacity in the regions in and around Woodend and Kyneton.

Plans released for $16 million Capalaba area power boost

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Above right: Powercor Australia’s new $13.7 million Gisborne Zone Substation was launched at a November 17 groundbreaking ceremony by Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor, Cr Henry McLaughlin and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny. They were joined by Macedon Ranges Shire, Cr. Helen Relph and CEO Peter Johnston, and Powercor team members to mark the occasion Right: Powercor Australia’s new $13.7 million Gisborne Zone Substation was launched at a November 17 groundbreaking ceremony by (L-R) Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor, Cr Henry McLaughlin and CitiPower and Powercor CEO Shane Breheny

Energy boost for Crows Nest

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ORK is set to begin on the electrical fit out of the new Crows Nest zone substation, with two 50 tonne transformers arriving on site this month.

Ausgrid General Manager Transmission Trevor Armstrong said the construction of the new substation buildingwas on track to be completed by the end of the month allowing the electrical work to begin.

“The existing Crows Nest substation was built in 1930,” Mr Armstrong said.

“It has performed well, but it is now time for much of the equipment to be replaced or upgraded.”

The new substation building is a modern, architect-designed building on the corner of Albany and Hume Streets and next door to the existing substation.

Page 6 - Australian Power & Energy News

When commissioned it will supply power to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in parts of Crows Nest,Cammeray, North Sydney, Wollstonecraft, Neutral Bay, Waverton, Naremburn, St Leonards and Cremorne.

“Peak demand for power is growing at about 1.4% a year across the North Shore region. As we replace keysubstation equipment we are also making sure it has enough capacity to help meet these peaks.”

“We are converting the substation from carrying 33,000 Volt equipment to 132,000 Volt equipment, so it will play an important role in getting electricity to homes and businesses in the area.

Specialist substation technicians will work at the substation to complete the fit out. This includes the installation of:

• two 50MVA transformers • 44 control and protection panels; and • six bays 132,000 Volt gas insulated switchgear that will be delivered in May next year.

“About 150 cable jointers, substation technicians, engineers, builders and other workers will have worked on siteby the time the project is complete,” Mr Armstrong said.

Once the electrical fit out is complete at Crows Nest, crews will focus on the installation of replacement underground high voltage cables which will connect the substation to the supply point at Willoughby and onto a new substation at North Sydney.

Major works on the substation site will be completed late next year.

NERGEX has unveiled plans for a $16 million upgrade to the power network in the Redlands and outer eastern Brisbane suburbs that will directly or indirectly improve electricity supplies to almost 8000 local homes and businesses.

The project involves the construction of a new electricity substation in the Capalaba Industrial Estate and a range of associated network upgrades to the local power supplies.

The project will greatly enhance the electricity supply for homes and businesses in parts of Capalaba, Capalaba West, Birkdale, Alexandra Hills, Chandler, Gumdale and Ransome.

ENERGEX’s Metropolitan South Asset Manager Russell Cross said the project would bolster electricity network capacity available to distribution to homes and businesses across the Redlands and in the adjoining eastern Brisbane suburbs.

Mr Cross said the project would especially focus on meeting the growing electricity needs associated with the continued expansion of the Capalaba Industrial Estate as well as improve supplies to homes, residential apartments, shops, restaurants and other businesses.

“The Redlands and eastern Brisbane suburbs have experienced tremendous growth in recent times and with this development comes the need for upgraded electrical infrastructure,” he said.

“Domestic power use – especially at peak times – has risen on average around 50 to 70 per cent in the past 10 years due in the main to a rapid take up of electricity hungry lifestyle products such as affordable home air-conditioning, larger televisions and other energy intensive household products.

“This domestic energy use, combined with rising commercial and industrial power consumption, means it is essential that ENERGEX continues to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply that meets community expectations.”

ENERGEX has recently received Development Approval for the new substation to be built at the corner of Smith Street and Steel Street from the Redland City Council and expects to commence work on the project early in 2012.

Sydney north subtransmission upgrade A

USGRID crews have completed the first stage of a multi-million dollar upgrade of the Sydney north sub-transmission network.

More than 40 workers including cable jointers and substation technicians recently installed more than six kilometres of 33,000 Volt cable between Ausgrid’s Ku-ring-gai subtransmission substation and its zone substations in St Ives and Lindfield.

Crews have now begun the second stage of the $40 million set of works including the upgrade of the existing 132/33 kV Ku-ring-gai STS and a re-fit of the 33/11 kV Lindfield zone substation.

Ausgrid’s Energised Alliance worked with Infrastructure Construction to complete a 50 metre long micro-tunnel under a major railway line as part of the Ku-ring-gai subtransmission substation to Lindfield zone substation 33,000 Volt cable project.

A horizontal directional drill rig with a 450mm drill was used to create four separate bores in parallel to carry a bank of six conduits each from Wolseley Road to Lindfield Avenue in Lindfield.

The horizontal directional drill (HDD) worked for about a month at a depth of about 14 metres below the railway line.

The HDD was used to cross the railway line at the southern end of the new 33,000 cable route to reduce interruptions to traffic and rail services.

Ausgrid General Manager Transmission Trevor Armstrong said the existing Ku-ringgai STS and Lindfield zone substation had served the local community well for almost 50 years but were now approaching the time for renewal.

“Average annual electricity use across our network has been falling by about 2 per cent a year over the past four years, however, peak demand continues to increase at about 2 per cent a year,” Mr Armstrong said.

“In Sydney’s north shore region, peak demand is expected to grow at about 6.5 per cent over the five years to 2014.

“The increase in peak demand across our network remains the biggest driver for developing and renewing Sydney’s electricity network.

“This package of sub-transmission work in Sydney’s north will create a more flexible network and help meet peak demand.”

Ausgrid crews are expected to complete the upgrade of the Lindfield zone substation in late 2012.

Work on the Ku-ring-gai STS is scheduled to begin this year and is expected to be complete in 2014.

The upgraded substations and new subtransmission cables will help improve the reliability of power supply to more than 45,000 homes and businesses in St Ives, Pymble, Turramurra, Chatswood, Warrawee, Lindfield, Killara, Roseville, Gordon, Ku-ring-gai and Wahroonga.

ENERGEX unveils plans for Lota Substation redevelopment

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NERGEX has unveiled plans for $7.8 million redevelopment the Lota Substation in Manly West designed to ensure Brisbane’s Bayside residents continue to receive a safe and reliable power supply.

Once complete, the project will improve power supplies to more than 9,500 homes and business in Birkdale, Lota, Manly, Manly West, Ransome, Thorneside, Tingalpa, Wakerley, Wynnum and Wynnum West.

The redevelopment includes a new architecturally designed switching and control room building to be constructed on the currently vacant land adjacent to the existing substation in Kamarin Street. A new access driveway and safety fence will also be installed.

Development approval for the Kamarin Street site has been received from Brisbane City Council and construction work is expected to start in early 2012. In the interim ENERGEX will be relocating overhead powerlines which run across the Kamarin Street property with underground cables. This work is scheduled to commence during September.

ENERGEX’s Metropolitan North Asset Manager Tim Hart said the substation redevelopment would especially focus on meeting the growing electricity needs of the area’s homes, residential apartments, shops, restaurants and other businesses.

“The area has experienced significant growth in recent times and with this development comes the need for upgraded electrical infrastructure,” he said.

“Domestic power use – especially at peak times – has risen on average around 50 to 70 per cent in the past 10 years due in the main to a rapid take up of electricity hungry lifestyle products such as affordable home air-conditioning, larger televisions and other energy intensive household products.

“This domestic energy use, combined with rising commercial and industrial power consumption, means it is essential that ENERGEX continues to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply that meets community expectations.”

The project is part of a record $5 billion-plus, five-year capital expenditure program being undertaken by ENERGEX. In the 2011/12 financial year, ENERGEX, South East Queensland’s electricity distributor, is investing around $1.1 billion on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $331 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of more than $4 million per day.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 7

Landmark CBD building with substation and commercial tower A new landmark building in the CBD will house a major electrical substation with an integrated commercial tower development, after architects Fitzpatrick and Partners won a competition to design the building at 33 Bligh Street.

Ausgrid Managing Director George Maltabarow said the partnership between Ausgrid and Investa was an efficient and innovative way to deliver essential infrastructure, commercial space and outstanding architecture for the city.

“We wanted this development to be energy efficient and cost efficient,” Mr Maltabarow said.

“We’ll achieve both by incorporating a 5star-green-star rated commercial tower into the design.”

Ausgrid and Investa invited five architects to submit a proposal for the building’s design.

Fitzpatrick and Partners won the competition after a selection panel agreed their proposal was an iconic building that would add quality to the streetscape while meeting the unique site requirements.

The commercial tower above the substation will be in the form of three cubic volumes, separated horizontally with horizontal offset.

The main entrance to the tower will be an open, sky lobby.

“The Sydney CBD has 45 per cent of

Sydney’s office space and 38,000 residents. We need a long term approach to our city’s future power needs, including how that infrastructure adds to public amenity.

“The new City East zone substation is part of our CityGrid project which will provide power to the CBD via a ring of underground cable tunnels connected to four new or upgraded substations.

“The new substation will replace our existing City East Substation at Woolloomooloo which was built in the early 1960s. The substation has performed well over the years but needs to be replaced by 2017.”

The architects will help prepare the project planning application with the project team. The team is also working with the City of Sydney Council to achieve design excellence.

Ausgrid has received concept approval for the development of the site from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

Project Approval for the demolition of the existing buildings on the site was received in July 2011. The project application for the basement excavation and construction works is expected to be on public exhibition during December and January.

The building at 33 Bligh Street, which also has frontage to O’Connell Street, will deliver about 26,000 square metres of A-grade office space.

FACT SHEET Ausgrid’s CityGrid Project • Belmore Park zone substation and integrated commercial development. Underway with expected completion 2012 and 2014 respectively.

• City South Cable Tunnel extension. Expected completion 2015 • City East zone substation and City East Cable Tunnel. Expected completion 2015. The integrated development is expected to be complete for occupation in late 2016.

• Riley Street sub-transmission switching station. Expected completion 2015.

• Replacement Dalley Street zone substation. Expected completion 2030.

Above: Ausgrid City East Zone Substation concept, Bligh Street view

ENERGEX flicks switch on Beenleigh substation upgrade

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NERGEX has completed a $13.4 million upgrade on its Beenleigh substation, adding greater capacity to service the area’s growing demand for power.

The substation, located on Milne Street, Beenleigh, has undergone redevelopment in response to significant residential and

Page 8 - Australian Power & Energy News

commercial growth in recent years.

The project involved the installation of a new modular building to house new electrical equipment, replacement of existing power cables and powerlines with new equipment, and the installation of two new 80MVA transformers.

Now complete, around 14,000 homes and businesses in Alberton, Beenleigh, Gilberton, Norwell, Stapylton, Steiglitz, Woongoolba, Yatala, Mt Warren Park, Bahrs Scrub, Bannockburn, Belivah, Cedar Creek, Luscombe, Tamborine, Windaroo, Wolffdene, Eagleby, Carbrook and the southern Moreton

Bay islands, will directly or indirectly benefit from the upgrade.

Domestic power use across part of the ENERGEX network – especially at peak times – has risen on average around 50 to 70 per cent in the past 10 years due in the main to a rapid take up of electricity hungry lifestyle products such as affordable home air-conditioning, larger televisions and other energy intensive household products.

This domestic energy use, combined with rising commercial and industrial power consumption, means it is essential that ENERGEX continues to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply that meets community expectations.

ENERGEX Metro South Asset Manager, Russell Cross said the project’s completion would see greater reliability for electricity supply in Beenleigh and the surrounding area, particularly at times where network interruptions occur.

Mr Cross also thanked residents and motorists for their patience during the three-year multistage project which involved early morning transformer deliveries and traffic disruptions.

“These works are very important as ENERGEX responds to the growing demand for power and an improved electricity supply in South East Queensland regions,” he said.

The Beenleigh substation upgrade project is part of a record $5 billion-plus, five-year capital expenditure program being undertaken

by ENERGEX. In the 2011/12 financial year, ENERGEX, South East Queensland’s electricity distributor, is investing around $1.1 billion on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $331 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of more than $4 million per day.

The experts in cable jointing training

A Registered Training Organisation (RTO#5320), EsiTrain is the training arm of leading Queensland electricity supplier ENERGEX. EsiTrain provides a broad range of competency-based courses in areas such as underground cable jointing, which is currently in high demand.

EsiTrain’s nationally accredited cable jointing training packages include specialist training for working with low voltage and high voltage paper insulated cable (PILC and PICAS) using the latest techniques and standards. EsiTrain are also equipped to provide training

services which cater for older methods of jointing paper insulated cables as required. Additionally, courses can be tailored specifically to suit customer requirements in terms of regulations and work practices.

The training outcomes issued on completion of EsiTrain courses

conform to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), which ensures trainees have the flexibility to effectively utilise their skills across Australia and some overseas countries.

EsiTrain’s underground team consists of five specialist cable

jointer instructors who combined hold over 90 years distribution and transmission cable jointing experience working in the Electricity Supply Industry. EsiTrain’s access to various suppliers of cable jointing and termination kits ensures training is conducted with the right materials and equipment.

The all-weather training facility at EsiTrain’s site at Rocklea, Brisbane is equipped for: • Jointing polymeric and paper insulated cables • Simulating energised low voltage cable jointing • Terminating low voltage cables into pillars and low voltage switchboards • Terminating high voltage cables to poles and ring main units in our indoor facility Training can also be delivered onsite, provided adequate facilities are available. This allows a reduction in travel time and costs, and increases the productivity of the customer’s workforce.

EsiTrain’s quality training has helped build business for utility companies, railways, local government, the mining sector and heavy industry across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.

For information on EsiTrain courses please contact Karen Doherty on 07 3000 1248 or karendoherty@energex.com.au

Cable Jointing accredited training Comprehensive training from industry leaders – EsiTrain Provides the skills and knowledge required to: - joint and terminate de-energised low voltage and high voltage polymeric underground cables - joint energised low voltage polymeric underground cables

Training meets National Qualification UET30409 Certificate III in ESI Cable Jointing Specialist training for working with paper insulated cables is also available To find out more, contact EsiTrain today on (07) 3000 1248 or visit www.energex.com.au

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 9

600 Amp Micro-ohmmeter Now with Demag!

600 Amp Micro-ohmmeters are used for contact resistance, bonding resistance, busbar and terminal joint resistance and not for winding resistance measurement, so the need for a de-magnetisation option would initially appear unnecessary.

But current transformers are often integrated into circuit breaker bushings and cannot be easily removed during contact resistance tests. Similarly current transformers fitted to busbar for metering or protection purposes are not easily removable during measurement of busbar joint resistance.

A 600Amp DC resistance test on a circuit breaker or busbar fitted with current transformers could result in the current transformers becoming magnetised and causing problems when initially energised. It could be argued that de-magnetising in these situations is more critical than when measuring transformer winding resistance.

Demagnetising instruments from DV-Power comprise: • RMO40TD Transformer Ohmmeter • RMO60TD Transformer Ohmmeter • RMO600D Micro-ohmmeter • DEM60 3-phase Transformer Demagnetiser

Stand-alone 3-phase Demagnetiser

True 3-phase Supply

Existing owners of high current Microohmmeters and Transformer Ohmmeters which are not optioned with Demagnetising do not have to replace their instrument or buy another.

DV-Power also manufactures a stand-alone 3-phase Demagnetiser. This instrument can be used any type of single or 3-phase transformer.

De-magnetising current can be set between 5mA and 60 Amps.

De-magnetising either as an option for a Transformer Ohmmeter, a Micro-ohmmeter or as a stand-alone Demagnetiser is achieved by applying an AC current starting at the selected value decreasing in magnitude to zero. The process is fully automatic and only requires initiation by the operator.

The unique ability of the TRT to test transformers with irregular vector groups is due to DV-Power’s use of a true 3-phase power supply.

The TRT series generates true 120° 3-phase voltage unlike most competitors switched single phase power supply. Three phase ratiometers utilising a switched single phase supply require an auxiliary 3-phase supply to test irregular vector type transformers.

The DV-Power TRT series is based on state of the art technology, using the most advanced technique available today.The ratiometers can be used to test single-phase and three-phase transformers, both with and without taps and current transformers.

New 250V Ratiometer DV-Power of Sweden has added a 250V version to the TRT series of 3-phase ratiometers.

The 250V test voltage has been added to the existing four test voltages of 1, 10, 40, 100V in response to requests for higher accuracy.

The DV-Power range of Ratiometers already offer the highest accuracy of 0.05% and the ability to test all types of transformers including those with irregular vector groups like phase shifting transformers, rectifier, arc-furnace and traction transformers. The new 250V model improves accuracy to 0.03%.

Easy Operation For three-phase measurement, the test set is connected to all three phases of the transformer to be tested.

If specific vector diagrams for different types of transformers are selected, the TRT will run a specific test for each transformer type (i.e., single phase, Delta to y, Y to delta, Delta to delta, or Y to y) without the need to switch test connections. Turns ratio, phase shift and

Ratiometers: DV-Power TRT Series

Immunity from Interferance Highly efficient filtration allows the TRT to cancel electrostatic and electromagnetic interference in HV electric fields.

High Current Resistance Measurements Many applications of low resistance measurement require a test current greater than the traditional 10Amps.

Measurement of busbar joints and circuit breaker contacts is recommended to be done with a current approximating the normal load current of the equipment. Typically test currents from 200 to 600 Amps are preferred.

Measurement of the winding resistance of large transformers and motors can be achieved faster with a test current between 20 and 60 Amps. The higher current will saturate the core and reach stability faster than a low current. On very large equipment, a 10 Amp instrument may never reach stability and fluctuating readings will occur.

In the past high current Ohmmeters were unbelievably heavy, with some tipping the scales at over 30kg! Carrying these into difficult locations could introduce some OH&S issues. DV-Power of Sweden offer a large range of high current microohmmeters and winding ohmmeters weighing from just 8kg!

DV-Power 3-Phase Ratiometer

MicroOhmmeters

Above: RMO600G in new resin case

Right: RMO600A in traditional aluminium case

Using the optional current clamp to measure resistance with both sides earthed

Transformer Ohmmeters – Now with Demagnetiser!

The DV-Power RMO-T series Transformer Ohmmeter are available in 6 models with test currents adjustable from 5mA to 10, 20, 25, 40, 60 and now 100 Amps.

All RMO-T series are dual channel to enable the primary and secondary windings to be measured and displayed simultaneously. After test the windings are automatically discharged to remove the hazardous voltage from the windings.

The new RMO60TD now includes demagnetising by applying an AC current of decreasing magnitude to the transformer at the conclusion of the test.

The RMO60T includes an on-load tap-changer control to enable dynamic resistance values to be measured. This function is optional on the RMO40T. On Load Tap Changers The RMO40T and 60T can be used to measure the winding resistance of individual taps on a power transformer’s tap changer. It can also check whether the on-load tap changer (OLTC) switches without interruption. The moment a tap changers position is changed, the RMO detects a sudden very short drop in current. The magnitude of the ripple is used to determine a correctly functioning tap changer from a malfunctioning one. The tap-change control on the RMO allows the operator to control the ONTC from the instrument.

Changes in Test Current Ripple are indicated during transitions

Right: The DVPower RMO-T series

Left: Burnt contacts detected by dynamic resistance measurement

Page 10 - Australian Power & Energy News

excitation current are displayed on the display with true three-phase and single-phase tests.

TRT allows entry of a transformer’s nameplate voltages for the turns-ratio calculation. This feature eliminates any error otherwise caused by an operator’s manual calculation.

The TRT also compares the test result with the calculated ratio and prints out the % of error for each test. It is easy to read display and easy to follow menu. View the result on the display. There is sufficient memory to store 100 test records and each record consists of 100 test readings. All measurements are time and date stamped.

Transformer excitation current as well as phase shift angles helps to detect transformers shorted turns or unequal number of turns connected in parallel.

Operating conditions messages or error messages identify incorrect test conditions, abnormal operating condition or winding problems.

Collapse of test current during tap changer operation indicates a fault with the tap changer

The DV-Power TRT series automatic 3-phase Turns Ratiometer measures phase shift, excitation current and ratios from 0.8 to 15,000 on all types of single and 3-phase power, distribution and instrument transformers.

All types of transformer connections are accommodated including star, delta and zig-zag.

True 3-phase supply The TRT series features a true 3-phase supply with 120° phase displacement unlike most other ratiometers which use three single phase supplies.

DV-Win Software The supplied DV-WIN software allows remote control of the TRT and export of the measurements to PC. Remote Tap Changer Control Like the RMO-T series transformer ohmmeter, the TRT allows users to change the transformer taps remotely from the instrument.

NEW CAT Circuit Breaker Analyser The new range of Circuit Breaker Analysers & Timers from DV-Power of Sweden compliment the wide range of High Current Ohmmeters, Winding Ohmmeters and Ratiometers.

The CAT series are state-of-the-art instruments designed for advanced testing and analysis of a wide range of circuit breakers. The CAT will measure timing and record graphs of coil currents and the displacement of the moving parts.

The CAT is a stand alone or PC-controlled instrument for condition assessment of circuit breakers. The timing channels record closings and openings of main contacts, resistor contacts and auxiliary contacts. Graphs of both open and close coil current and displacements of HV and MV circuit breaker moving parts are recorded. Main contact channels can also measure the resistance of preinsertion resistors.

The CAT provides easy selection of the different operating modes: Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open, Open-Close-Open. The breaker can be operated remotely by using the External Trigger.

DV-Win software provides full control of all CAT functions from a PC including acquisition and analysis of test results.

The DV-Power CAT Breaker Analyser is fully optionable to allow users to purchase the exact capabilities to suit their needs.

The CAT can be user specified as follows: • 3 or 6 channels for main contacts • 3 channels for auxiliary contacts • Coil operation • Coil current measurement • 2 analogue inputs • Analogue or digital transducer input • USB memory stick

Transformer & Switchgear Analysis Winding Ohmmeters DV-Power RMO-T Series • Choice of maximum test currents of 10, 20, 40 & 60 Amps • Tests primary & secondary windings simultaneously • Resistance measurements from 1uΩ to 2,000Ω • On-Load Tap Changer Analysis • Automatic Discharge after test • Memory for 500 measurements with RMO Win-T software

Ratiometers DV-Power TRT Series • True 3-phase test supply • Ratios from 0.8 to 15000 • User selectable test voltage • Tests all types of single and 3-phase transformers • Measures turns ratio, phase shift and excitation current

MicroOhmeter DV-Power RMO Series • Choice of maximum test currents of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 & 600 Amps • Light weight from 8kg • Resistance measurement from 0.1uΩ to 1Ω • Accuracy 0.2% • Memory for 500 measurements with RMO Win software • Optional Remote Control

Circuit Breaker Analyser & Timer DV-Power CAT Series • Timing and motion measurement • 6 or 3 channels for main contacts • 1 transducer input (digital or analogue) • 3 channels for auxiliary inputs • 4 analog inputs • Results printed on 80mm thermal printer • Detailed analysis of test results using versatile DV-Win software

NEW Pacific Test Equipment Pty Ltd HEAD OFFICE 27/7 Anella Avenue Castle Hill 2154 P.O. Box 6930 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 T +61 2 9659 2300 • F +61 2 9659 2311 MELBOURNE 16 Dickson Court (P.O. Box 352) Williamstown VIC 3016 T +61 3 9397 0453 • F +61 3 9397 0473

www.pacifictest.com.au

sales@pacifictest.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 1 1

Massive Coast power upgrade nearing final stages

A

FTER more than a year of construction on the Gold Coast’s largest single electricity upgrade, ENERGEX technicians are set to commence crucial cable connection work.

Work has started on the connection of new high voltage underground sub-transmission cables into the existing electricity substation at Ferry Road, Bundall.

This is one of the last stages of the $40 million-plus project, and involves the installation of a new concrete transition pole at the front of the Bundall substation to connect the first set of cables to the existing overhead powerlines which currently supply the Southport area.

This work follows the completion earlier this year of construction of seven kilometres of underground electricity cables between ENERGEX’s Molendinar Substation in Ashmore Road and the Bundall Substation.

From the Bundall substation the additional power will also be distributed along existing high voltage network north to ENERGEX’s substation in Southport and east to Surfers Paradise.

Preparation work is also continuing within the Bundall substation to connect a second set of cables to the existing underground network which supplies Surfers Paradise. These cables are expected to be commissioned in early 2012.

Once all is complete, the upgrade will boost electricity capacity to more than 40,000 northern Gold Coast homes and businesses.

ENERGEX’s South Coast Region Asset Manager Gary Madigan thanked residents, motorists and business operators for their patience while the underground cable works were underway.

Installing the cables required trenching in several busy roads including Ashmore Road, Cotlew Street and Ferry Road and when connected will provide long-term benefits to the community by increasing capacity to a region which has experienced significant growth in recent years.

“Electricity consumption in the area – especially at peak times – has been increasing by six per cent annually and this growth is expected to continue with a further surge in power usage set to increase another 18 per cent before 2013,” Mr Madigan said “Given the size and scope of the project our presence has certainly been felt by local residents and the business community and we thank them for the continued patience.

We’re now in the final stages of the project where we will be focusing on connecting the new cables to the existing network.

“At this stage, weather permitting, the overall project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2012.”

New powerline to secure Stanthorpe supply

E

RGON Energy has begun preliminary planning and consultation for a 65 km, 110,000-volt powerline from Warwick to Stanthorpe which will significantly improve supply reliability in the Southern Downs region.

The line will duplicate an existing 110,000volt line constructed 40 years ago and mostly will follow the same easement except for about 8 km. Cost is expected to be around $60 million with construction not expected to begin until 2016 and take about a year.

“A preferred corridor has been identified after preliminary investigations which will be subject to community and landholder consultation, comment and feedback before it is finalised,” Ergon Energy’s Area Operations Manager, Matt Gleeson, said.

“The project is still in its initial stages and approval will be sought under the Queensland Government’s Community Infrastructure

Designation process after consultation, which is expected to be completed next year.

“Currently, when maintenance or repairs are required on this powerline, there is no alternative source of supply for the area. This project will ensure a more reliable power supply and allow for future growth in the Stanthorpe community.

“A number of social, environmental, design and cost factors were considered before the proposed line route corridor was selected.

“Owners of properties impacted by this project have been contacted directly by a member of the Ergon Energy project team,” Mr Gleeson said.

The project will be another significant boost for electricity supply in the southern Downs region after Ergon Energy recently completed a new $36 million, 70km powerline from Toowoomba to Warwick, replacing one of two 110,000-volt lines between the two cities.

New Generation Tools F

OUNDED in 1879, Klauke originally began as a manufacturer of tools for the clock making trade. 130 years on, Klauke (a division of global giant Textron) is at the forefront of innovation and development for handheld hydraulic tools and equipment. TEN Group is an Authorised Service Centre (ASC) and an exclusive distributor of Klauke tools & equipment.

In 2010, Klauke launched a New Generation range of battery powered hydraulic hand tools improving on the high standards set by the previous generation of tools. Key developments in the range focussed on productivity, safety and operator ergonomics.

In line with the company’s continual improvement strategy they have now released “The New Generation Safety Plus” range of tools for the electrical and power utility sector.

the energy network

TEN Group had identified that many professional electricians and power utility linesman had concerns regarding potential “Pinch Points” on many brands of crimping tools throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Hydraulic

EK12042LAU

Our Energy, Your Power.

Page 12 - Australian Power & Energy News

Klauke engineers sought an immediate solution that has addressed this issue, and Klauke now offers “Finger Pinch Point Protection” on its Next Generation Safety Plus range of crimping tools.

Above: Klauke has launched its New Generation Battery Tools More Power

The New Tools also feature:

• New tools feature a high performance Makita 18V lithium ion battery with a 50% higher capacity that minimises battery related downtime in the field • Class leading, extremely short charge times powered by Makita MAKSTAR technology • Significantly stronger motors deliver maximum performance with faster crimp times

Advanced Intelligence

Improved Ergonomics

• Integrated pressure sensor identifies when a crimp is not completed and alerts the operator with visual and audible signals. This provides utilities and contractors confidence that the crimp has been completed to the correct pressure • Automatic retraction stop identifies the optimal place to stop the crimp for additional parallel crimps – saving time and improving productivity when crimping compression sleeves

• Rubberised two component housing on handle ensures maximum grip and comfort • Optimised centre of gravity ensures tool is well balanced and substantially more comfortable to operate. The design has been tailored to deliver the most efficient lightweight tool • Heavy Duty LED illuminates workspaces in dark and low light situations

Klauke’s new “Finger Pinch Point Protection” completely covers the hydraulic ram, keeping and pushing the operator’s finger away from any potential danger when the tool is retracting.

Above: Pinch point protection covers the hydraulic ram

The new generation tools include cutting, crimping and multi tools for a wide range of cable diameters and materials. New to the range is the highly versatile guillotine style ESG25-L cutter that will cut most common distribution conductors and cables up to 25mm. All Klauke tools include superior after sales service and support through TEN Group.

TEN Group is a leading supplier of tools and equipment for the construction and maintenance of electricity networks. For more information on our full range of products or to view our 2011 catalogue online, visit www.tengroup.com.au

Off the Shelf or New Design, Fulton Industries Can Meet the Challenge

B

EING the leader in the manufacturing of world class quality earth rods does not come by chance – this success is built up over time through an excellence in manufacturing and utilizing only the best of materials. This also applies to all products produced by Fulton Industries Australia.

They are one of the few Australian based manufacturers still operating and supplying the Australian Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) with a massive variety of products – both off the shelf and from customer’s oneoff specific requirements.

Fulton Industries Australia Pty Ltd is a combination of three previously interrelated businesses operating from different parts of Sydney. Fulton & Jones Pty Ltd, Australian Earthing Electrodes Pty Ltd and Renown Engineering Pty Ltd were amalgamated in March 2004, to offer a complete product range from the one location on the Central Coast of NSW. And now with the recently opened office and warehouse in Brisbane, the product range availability has spread much further.

The three organisations already enjoyed industry respect and were very successful companies in their own right and the amalgamation multiplied this many times over, bringing Fulton Industries Australia to the enviable position it holds today throughout the Australasian region.

Apart from being long term suppliers to ACTEWAGL, Country Energy, Energy Australia, Fiji Electricity, Integral Energy and Western Power, Fulton Industries Australia’s recent customer list reads like a who’s who for major projects within the region –

• Lihir Gold Project in PNG • Defence Force Projects including RAAF Edinburgh and RAN Jervis Bay • BHP – Roxby Downs • Desalination Plants in Victoria and NSW • Federal Government Building Education Revolution (BER) Projects • PNG Power • Electricity Supply Industry in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands One of the main attributes that has kept Fulton Industries Australia on top is the flexibility within the organisational structure where they can turn their hands to special one-off projects from the original concept, to detailed design right though to the full production.

Australian manufacturing activity is at risk of disappearing and to have an Australian based organisation still willing to do the hard yards to assist industry is very welcome. The Fulton Industries Australia team are experienced ESI people having a great insight into the industry making the whole design process so much easier with one-on-one consultation.

The massive product range includes the manufacturing and supplying of, earthing rods (stainless steel clad, copper clad, solid stainless steel and solid copper) in a range of sizes, as well as earth rod clamps and accessories, underground power reticulation systems, overhead power products, substation fittings, flexible connectors, aluminium and copper bolted connectors, and lightning protection equipment.

This diverse organisation also produces quality components for a range of industries in Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Aluminium and Plastics either

OIL FLOW DIVIDER

from Extruded Bar, Castings or Forgings.

Components are produced on modern CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools where the attention to quality and delivery is of the highest level and ongoing. CNC machines have the capacity to produce specialised products in copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminium and plastic for many industries.

Additionally, they provide a Repetition Engineering Design Service with the use of 2D and 3D Computer Aided Drawing.

Amazingly, the Fulton Industries Australia products and services range doesn’t stop there. They also produce items in Fibreglass (Hand Laminated and Transfer Moulding), Sheet Metal, Steel Fabrication, Plastic Injection Moulding, Plastic Extrusion, Plastic Rotational Moulding, Investment Casting, Sand Casting, Steel Forging, NonFerrous Forgings, Die Casting (Gravity or Pressure), Cold Heading and provide finishes in Electro-Plating, Stainless Steel Polishing, Powder Coating and Thermoplastic Coating.

In their continual quest for improvement, Fulton Industries Australia are set to further increase manufacturing production capability by more than 30% through the introduction of new machinery. Improved manufacturing processes and material handling systems will also be introduced.

It is envisaged such improvements will increase the overall production output by an additional 50%.

Their dedication to the highest Australian design and manufacturing standards is well proven throughout the industry and this is continual.

Product development is ongoing through

the Design Engineering Team and the entire catalogue is available for download from the web site. However, if the exact product required is not apparent or you would like further information about any of our products, contact the sales team.

Fulton Industries Australia Pty Ltd is proud to produce and supply products of high quality at competitive prices for industry in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Their determination and continuing commitment is to maintain a high standard in an endeavour to provide excellent customer service with a readily available line of communications between customers, production, technical and sales personnel.

The Queensland office and warehouse stock a large range of products and all Queensland based enquiries should be directed to the Queensland Sales Manager David Podger at – Location – Unit 9, 26 Octal Street Yatala QLD 4207 Phone +61 7 3382 6882 For other enquiries please contact Bob Fulton or Mark Donnelly at the NSW head office and manufacturing base through the details below Location - The Palms Business Park Units 5-8, 13 Gibbens Road West Gosford NSW 2250 Post - PO BOX 6258 West Gosford NSW 2250 Phone: +61 2 4323 4242 Fax: +61 2 4322 6197 Email: sales@fultonindustries.com.au For a full appreciation of all product lines, visit Fulton Industries Australia web site at www.fultonindustries.com.au

EARTH BARS

EARTH ROD DRIVER — LH11 GOOD EARTH

EP3

13hp HYDRAULIC POWER PACK -BRASS OR STAINLESS COUPLERS 12mm & 15mm -STAR POINTS 12mm &15mm

MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS OF OVERHEAD & UNDERGROUND POWER EQUIPMENT COPPER COMPRESSION PROFILES

HEAD OFFICE PO BOX 6258, WEST GOSFORD NSW 2250 Units 5-8, 13 Gibbens Road, West Gosford NSW 2250 Tel: +61 2 4323 4242 Fax: +61 2 4322 6197 Email: sales@fultonindustries.com.au QUEENSLAND OFFICE Unit 9, 26 Octal Street, Yatala QLD 4207 Tel: +61 7 3382 6882 Fax: +61 7 3382 6669 Email: qldsales@fultonindustries.com.au

ANNEALED COPPER PANCAKE COILS

EARTH RODS -AVAILABLE IN 12mm, 15mm & 19mm VARIANTS -AVAILABLE IN COPPER CLAD, STAINLESS CLAD & SOLID STAINLESS

www.fultonindustries.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 13

$2m upgrade to Kilcoy area’s power supplies ENERGEX is improving the supply of electricity to residents of Kilcoy and the surrounding area through a $2 million network upgrade.

The project commenced in November and will strengthen electricity supply to more than 2,500 homes and businesses.

The upgrades are necessary to ensure reliable and dependable power supply to the Somerset Regional Council area.

Importantly, the upgrade will also provide ENERGEX technicians with greater switching options to restore power faster after unexpected interruptions caused by storms, trees hitting powerlines or damage to overhead wires or underground cables.

ENERGEX network will be upgraded through the installation of underground power cables, a new 11,000 volt overhead powerline and replacement of some existing power poles.

The majority of works will be undertaken along the D’Aguilar Highway, Mary and William Streets in Kilcoy; Neurum Road, Mt Archer; and Jenkinson Road in Mount Kilcoy.

ENERGEX Asset Manager for Metro North, Tim Hart, said “to ensure the safety of the local community and work crews some properties may experience power interruptions during the project. Property owners will be notified prior to this occurring.

“Heavy vehicles will be in operation and partial lane closures will be controlled by traffic

Major power upgrade for Cape Cleveland and Cungulla Cape Cleveland and Cungulla communities south of Townsville received a major power upgrade to improve reliability of electricity supply and to meet future demand for power a spokesman said.

General Manager Service Delivery Northern Paul Ryan said the $1 million project involved replacing approximately 3 kilometres of high voltage powerlines that supply Ergon Energy’s Cape Ferguson Substation and then feed power to the Cape Cleveland and Cungulla communities.

Mr Ryan said the project is part of Ergon Energy’s drive to strengthen the local electricity network.

“Our plan is to have this project completed before the onset of the coming storm and cyclone season,” he said.

Temporary generators were installed at Cape Ferguson Substation and Crocodile Creek Road to ensure customers had power while the upgrade is underway.

Ergon Energy also had teams working in the area to ensure tariffs were not affected when generators connected to the network started to supply power.

Most of the work was undertaken within two kilometres of the Cape Cleveland Road turn off from the Bruce Highway.

“There was traffic control on this road over the period. However disruptions to free flow of traffic was kept to a minimum,” he said.

Customers that experience any issues with their power, should contact Ergon Energy on 132 296.

RIGGING CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD Specialises in all Erection and Maintenance of Telecommunication Radio Towers High Voltage Power Lines Railway Overhead Wire Industrial Painting and Rigging Construction Other Services Include:• • Pre-assembly of Towers • Erection of Towers • Stringing and associated works

management staff.

“The project is expected to be completed by early 2012.”

ENERGEX thanks local residents, business owners and motorists in advance for their patience while the upgrade takes place.

The project is part of a record $5 billionplus, five-year capital expenditure program being undertaken by ENERGEX. In the 201112 financial year, ENERGEX – South East Queensland’s electricity distributor - is investing around $1.11 billion on upgrades to its electricity network, while a further $331 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – that’s an overall average of almost $4 million per day.

Major power upgrade for Ingham area A $2 million project to upgrade sections of Ergon Energy’s network in the Ingham area has improved reliability of electricity supply and to meet future demand for power a spokesman said.

General Manager Service Delivery Northern Paul Ryan said the project to replace approximately 10 kilometres of powerlines and up to 40 power poles is part of Ergon Energy’s drive to strengthen the local electricity network.

The work was be undertaken before the onset of the coming storm and cyclone season.

“Over ten weeks, up to 40 field staff focussed on powerlines in the Ingham township, the airport, industrial estate and council depot areas. Work was also undertaken at Taylors Beach, Tokalon Road Area and at Toobanna and the town’s school area,” he said.

Work was undertaken in Ingham at Cemetery Road, Gardner, Stone, Harvey, Glover, Cassady, Cartwright and Cooper Street areas.

Mr Ryan said the important and necessary work resulted in a series of planned interruptions to customers’ power supply to enable the crews to work safely.

“Our customers had interruptions for various lengths of time as crews undertook the work. A total of about 20 interruptions occurred with our aim is to keep them to the absolute minimum where we can.

“Customers in the immediate area of the work were affected but others further a field were also impacted because of the configuration of the local network.”

Mr Ryan said customers were notified in advance of the planned work and dates and times that the interruptions would occur.

“We are working hard to meet our customers’ expectations and we appreciate their understanding during this time to undertake this important and necessary work, he said.

“Generators will be used to supply power to some commercial businesses where possible to minimise inconvenience.”

Mr Ryan said crews would worked Monday to Friday and some weekends to ensure the project was completed on time.

• Termination Tension Towers • Running of Conductors and Landing Spans on the sub-sections

RIGGING CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD PO Box 87, Dulwich Hill, NSW 2203

Mobile: 0418 400 499 Sydney: Ph: (02) 9787 6970 Fax: (02) 9787 6971 Brisbane: Ph: (07) 3260 1511 Fax: (07) 3260 1522 Email: Web:

info@riggingconstruction.com.au www.riggingconstruction.com.au

Page 14 - Australian Power & Energy News

Seaforth power upgrade comes on line After delays caused by torrential rain last year and cyclone activity earlier this year, Ergon Energy is set to have $2.4 million power upgrade to the Seaforth area operating this year- weather permitting.

General Manager Service Delivery Steve Leighton said further work on the commissioning of the new 14 klm high voltage line from McKinley Creek substation to Seaforth is continuing with a major outage planned for 2011.

“The new line which duplicates the existing 11,000 volt feeder to the area will also provide us with alternative switching arrangements during times of contingency on the local distribution network meaning quicker restoration and response times to any localised problems” he said.

Mr Leighton said the project honoured a commitment given to 1,152 customers in the Seaforth, Ball Bay, Haliday Bay, Cape Hillsborough, Yakapari, The Leap, Balnagowan and Conningsby communities last year to address local power issues by fast tracking a scheduled upgrade in the area.

“While we did address the supply issues at the time in the short term, this project will ultimately provide an added level of comfort and reliability for these communities” he said.

“In order to safely and effectively commission the new line we have to do some preparatory work and construct sections of line where the new line crosses over the existing feeder.

This will require a planned interruption to 481 customers.

“Notification of this planned work was sent to affected customers.

“To reduce the impact on the community Ergon Energy brought in ten large mobile generators to power 671 customers in the Seaforth, Ball Bay and Haliday Bay townships.

“These generators were progressively installed prior to work being carried out. There was two short outages for these customers, the first starting at 6:30 in the morning to connect generators and the second outage to disconnect the generators from the network starting at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon.

“In an endeavour to gain maximum benefit from this planned outage we are bringing additional crews and contract staff in from across the region to also complete scheduled maintenance work.”

“We want to advise the community to be aware of abnormal traffic conditions as there will be an increased level of heavy vehicle movements and crews in the area” Mr Leighton said.

There were smaller outages in early September to carry out final commissioning works.

Mr Leighton thanked the community for it support and understanding and said Ergon Energy was looking forward to bringing the benefits of the power upgrade to Seaforth and surrounding communities.

Power Network Upgrade for Ayr A major project to upgrade powerlines in parts of Ayr has improved reliability of electricity supply and meet future demand for power a spokesman said.

General Manager Service Delivery Northern Paul Ryan said work on the $650,000 project involved replacing three kilometres of high voltage powerlines and 12 power poles in sections of the town.

“Our contractors started in early November, taking a month to complete.

“Their focus was on powerlines in and around Chippendale, Craig, Lynch Young, Gordon, Drysdale, Railway and Brisbane Street areas as well as Norham Road, Albert and Little crescents, “ he said.

Mr Ryan said the important and necessary work has resulted in a series of planned interruptions to customers’ power supply.

“Customers have had interruptions for various lengths of time as crews undertake the work. Of course, interruptions were kepy to an absolute minimum.”

Mr Ryan said customers were notified in advance of dates and times of the interruptions.

“We worked hard to meet the expectations of our customers and we appreciate their understanding during the time to undertake this work.”

He said contactors worked Monday to Friday and some weekends to ensure the project is completed early.

NEW POLE BORER SETS THE STANDARD

SPECIFICATIONS Type

VEHICLE MOUNTED

Standard

Built to AS1418.1, AS1418.5 & AS2550.1

Lifting Capacity

Double Fall - 10.0 TONNE Single Fall - 6.0 TONNE

Maximum Hook Height

15.0 Metres

Maximum Reach

13,370mm

Boom Elevation

72 degrees above horizontal 12 degrees below horizontal

Slew

360 degrees

Winch Rope

18mm (55m)

Load Management

IFM Canbus Control System

Travelling Height

3,900mm (TYPICAL)

Having listened to the key requirements of a broad range of customers, Sherrin Equipment now manufacture a Pole Borer, with market leading capabilities, to compliment the hugely successful range of Elevated Work Platforms.

Overall Length

9,750mm (TYPICAL)

Overall Width

2,490mm

The introduction of Canbus as the management system for the Pole Borers, along with exceptional reach capabilities and smoothness of operation, means the Pole Borer is already a hit with major customers Western Power and Sherrin Rentals.

Boring Radius

Minimum - 4,855mm

Steven Goulding - General Manager of Sherrin Equipment, with Western power staff Shane Adams - Regional Manager S/East Country, Dennis Smith - Branch Manager Country, Glenn Griffiths - Project Resource Manager South Metro, Denis Ballard - Fleet Manager

SHERRIN EQUIPMENT LAUNCHES 10t POLE BORER After years of encouragement and consultation from customers throughout the country, Sherrin Equipment recently launched their 10t Pole Borer for the Australian market.

Sherrin Rentals have deployed their fleet of Pole Borers from Brisbane to Karratha with excellent customer feedback. As a result of this feedback Sherrin Rentals have increased their order for 2012. Ben Hill, General Manager EWP’s said “Sherrin Rentals are market leaders in the hire industry with our modern range of EWP’s and the addition of market leading Pole Borers compliments our current fleet and our future strategy. We are excited about the response we have received since putting the units into service and look forward to building our fleet numbers to meet demand.”

Western Power received their first delivery of Pole Borers in October. Having viewed the prototype earlier this year orders were placed based on projected delivery timeframes, the rugged build of the unit along with operational features such as Canbus and short legging.

Maximum - 8,460mm Auger Motor Make Auger Motor Type

Brevini Variable Displacement Bent Axis Piston Motor

Auger Speed (variable)

Minimum - 20 RPM @ 11,800Nm Maximum - 60 RPM@ 1,000Nm

Maximum Torque

20,000Nm

Stabilisers

4 x Hydraulically operated out and down type “Short Legging” capabilities

Hydraulic System

Variable Displacement Pump 255ltr Oil Reservoir Oil Cooler

Denis Ballard, Fleet Services Manager, was particularly pleased with the initial deliveries commenting “In over 30 years working with Western Power I have never seen a better finished product from a totally new design. It is a credit to Sherrin Equipment that they have listened to their customer’s requirements and delivered a product that meets or exceeds expectations regarding build quality and functionality.”

Pole Grab

Standard

87 Bancroft Road Pinkenba Q 4008 Tel: 1300 905 550 | Email: info@sherrinequipment.com.au

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 15

Mid West Energy Project O

N Monday 14 November, the Economic Regulatory Authority (ERA) released its draft determination on Western Power’s pre approval application for the New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) for the Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) Southern Section.

Background The Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) is one of the most important infrastructure projects in Western Australia. It will provide the capacity to meet increasing demand for electricity and facilitate the connection of power generators and loads to the network. This will strengthen the reliability and security of the power network.

It is proposed that the Mid West Energy Project is delivered in two stages:

Southern Section (Stage 1) - Connects Neerabup (Perth) to Three Springs with a 330kV double circuit transmission line. This will enable the connection of a number of mining projects in the Mid West (including Karara Mine) and provides additional support to the existing 132kV network in the region by establishing a new 330/132 kV Terminal substation at Three Springs.

Northern Section (Stage 2) - Connection through to Moonyoonooka (Geraldton). Key drivers for the MWEP Stage 2 (northern section) are prospective load growth in the Geraldton area (from existing customers and new block loads associated with the port and industrial estate developments at Oakajee and Geraldton Port), potential load growth from new iron ore mines north east of Geraldton, and new generators seeking connection (predominately wind). A number of options to meet future requirements have opened up and Western Power is conducting a detailed planning assessment in consultation with key stakeholder and the community to determine the best method and timing to meet future requirements. An Infrastructure Australia funding submission has been made.

First look at Far North NSW Project

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ransGrid has released the first images of the proposed transmission line as part of the detailed Environmental Assessment of its Far North NSW Project.

TransGrid Executive General Manager, Mr Michael Gatt, said community feedback had led to the decision to utilise concrete poles for suspension structures for the majority of the proposed transmission line.

“Ongoing consultation with the community and landholders indicated a strong preference for concrete pole structures,” said Mr Gatt.

“We took on board this feedback and will be using concrete poles wherever technically feasible,” he said.

TransGrid also undertook an extensive visual assessment as part of the Environmental

Assessment Report.

“The visual assessment was undertaken at 147 locations within one kilometre of the proposed transmission line,” said Mr Gatt.

“From 95 per cent of these locations the transmission line would have either a nil or low visual impact rating,” he said.

“In addition, the poles could also be coloured, and made of low reflective materials to further blend in with the predominately rural and agricultural environment.”

The visual assessment identified that the transmission line would also have a low visual impact rating for motorists and rail passengers travelling along local roads, highways and portions of railway.

TransGrid calls for community working group nominations

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ransGrid is encouraging members of the community to register their expressions of interest for the Stroud to Taree Project Community Working Group.

TransGrid Spokesperson Ms Hannah Dunn said the capacity of TransGrid’s electricity network, between Stroud and Taree is expected to be exceeded by summer 2016.

“Peak summer demand is forecast to increase by up to 25 per cent in the next decade,” said Ms Dunn.

“TransGrid is keen to engage the community through working group discussions about the location of vital electricity network upgrades in the Mid North Coast in the future,” she said.

“While TransGrid’s electricity network has enough capacity to supply the needs of the Mid North Coast today, the region is expected to increase by more than 30,000 people in the next 10 years.”

“The role of the Community Working Group will be to discuss a series of corridor options for a vital new high voltage power line between the Stroud Road and Taree,” she said.

“While TransGrid remains the decisionmaking body, we are seeking community Page 16 - Australian Power & Energy News

members to help identify key environmental, social and cultural considerations with each corridor option.”

TransGrid is seeking nominations from community members across the region to represent one of the following stakeholder groups: • residents of the Great Lakes, Gloucester and Greater Taree Local Government Areas; • business or commercial community representative within the Great Lakes, Gloucester and Greater Taree Local Government Areas; and/or • environmental organisations, community interest groups or Aboriginal groups.

“TransGrid’s Stroud to Taree Project is an important investment to secure a reliable electricity supply for the region’s future and we encourage community members to get involved at this early stage of the Project,” said Ms Dunn.

All Community Working Group members will be selected independently by environmental consultants AECOM.

Minister announces powerful $22 million boost to electricity supply for Southern Queensland

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NERGY MINISTER Stephen Robertson has welcomed the completion of Powerlink Queensland’s new $22 million Western Downs Substation, near Brigalow.

Mr Robertson said the new substation will help meet electricity demand across the growing Southern Queensland region, for many years to come.

“In particular, it will ensure a reliable high voltage electricity supply for the fast-developing, Surat Basin where future electricity demand is expected to match that of the entire Gold Coast,” Mr Robertson said.

“Electricity demand is continuing to increase in Southern Queensland as a result of economic development and ongoing population growth.

“The Western Downs Substation is the first stage of a major community infrastructure project to support the electricity needs of this growing region.

“In the longer-term, the new substation will also strengthen the electricity supply required to underpin the development of the Surat Basin through planned extensions to the transmission network.

“This includes the proposed Columboola to Western Downs 275kV transmission line, which is

expected to be completed by mid 2014.”

Mr Robertson said the second stage of the community infrastructure project includes the construction of a 275kV transmission line to connect the new Western Downs Substation to the new Halys Substation, near Tarong, in the South Burnett.

“The construction of this line is well advanced and is expected to be in service by summer 2012/13,” he said.

“The completion of the Western Downs Substation combined with ongoing transmission investments across Southern Queensland demonstrates Powerlink’s commitment to ensuring essential infrastructure is delivered in a timely manner to underpin the future prosperity of the region.”

Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said construction of the substation began in September 2010 and was recently completed within Powerlinkowned land on Banana Bridge Road at Brigalow.

“Over the past several months, Powerlink has liaised closely with the Brigalow community as construction progressed,” Ms York said.

ENERGEX set to boost northern Sunshine Coast power network

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NERGEX has announced their plans to bolster the electricity network on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, with a project to improve power supplies to more than 13,000 homes and businesses in Noosa, Doonan, Peregian and Coolum.

Power between ENERGEX’s Sunrise Hills Substation on Eumundi-Noosa Road and the Peregian Substation on Doonan Bridge East Road is currently supplied by one 33,000 volt powerline.

With electricity demand in the area expected to exceed the current powerline’s capacity within five years, ENERGEX plans to rebuild the powerline as a double-circuit 33,000 volt powerline with an 11,000 volt powerline beneath. The line will be constructed using poles that will be suitable for a future upgrade to 132,000 volts.

ENERGEX North Coast Asset Manager Steve Lynch said the project would ensure a reliable electricity supply for years to come.

“Peak electricity demand in the northern Sunshine Coast area has increased at a rate of around seven per cent each year since 1999 as a result of population growth and the rapid uptake of energy hungry appliances like air conditioners,” he said.

“Interestingly, 10 years ago, around 22 per cent of Sunshine Coast homes had air conditioners. Now around 63 per cent of homes have air conditioners, with most of those homes having two or more systems.

“This increase in peak demand is putting pressure on the existing power network throughout the Sunshine Coast, and this upgrade is part of our plans to ensure a reliable and robust power network throughout the region now and into the future.”

Following input from key stakeholders including landowners along the route, elected representatives, and other agencies, the upgraded infrastructure will follow the existing powerline route along Eumundi-Noosa Road, Rutch Road and Emu Mountain Road.

Hy-Haul ... a complete integrated modular system WINDERS & CABLE DRUM STANDS DESIGNED AND BUILT IN AUSTRALIA 1

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Drawing (1) Hy-Haul’s HW510 - 15 ton pig trailer designed to attach either our HW303 Triple Drum Winder (2 ton line pull), OR our HW630 Triple Drum Stand (with free wheel, brakes and pull back).

Drawing (2)

Our versatile range is a “complete integrated modular system” that not only physically locks together but works in harmony in various configurations.

Hy-Haul’s HW630 Triple Drum Stand for twin conductor runs.

Drawing (3) Hy-Haul’s HW630 Triple Drum Stand mounted to our 15 ton HW510 Trailer.

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TRIPLE OVERHEAD CONDUCTOR HAULING UNIT

Drawing (4) Hy-Haul’s HW630 Triple Drum Stand mounted to our HW510 15 ton Pig Trailer with 3 drums up to 1500 diameter for triple conductor.

Drawing (5) Hy-Haul’s HW630Triple Dum stand mounted to our HW510 15 ton Pig Trailer with Underground cable drum up to 2000 diameter

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Drawing (6) Hy-Haul’s HW510 - 15 ton pig trailer designed to attach either our HW303 Triple Drum Winder (2 ton line pull), OR our HW630 Triple Drum Stand (with free wheel, brakes and pull back).

THE HY-HAUL HW303D Infinitely variable joystick control of each drum, selectable to three patterns.

Operator information such as speed, tension & distance on each drum.

Drawing (7) Hy-Haul’s HW510 Trailer with our HW303 Triple Drum Winder on board.

End view.

Motion control and failsafe brakes on each drum.

Drawing (8) Hy-Haul’s HW510 Trailer and HW303 Triple Drum Winder shown in sectional view.

Line speeds of up to 50 mts/minute simultaneously (capped).

Fully enclosed cabin with tinted safety glass, sound proofing and air conditioning.

Line tension up to 20 kN each drum simultaneously.

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Drawing (9) Hy-Haul’s HW510 Trailer with our HW303 Triple Drum Winder on board. Side View Drawing (10) Hy-Haul’s HW303 Triple Drum Winder parked alone.

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www.hy-haul.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 17

Essential Energy recognises powerful long service contributions

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HREE employees have notched up half a century or more with leading regional electricity network services provider, Essential Energy, and are among 474 people across the State recognised in this year’s Service Awards.

Managing director, Terri Benson, said it was momentous for three employees to have accrued a combined 155 years’ service with Essential Energy and its predecessor organisations, while hundreds of others celebrate 10 to 45-year anniversaries.

“These long service award recipients have given so much to the business, the energy industry and their local communities through their outstanding efforts, dedication and expertise,” Terri said.

“Their depth of knowledge and experience is shared with other employees and has helped position Essential Energy as a leading employer and essential services provider in regional New South Wales.”

Terri said this year’s record number of long service award recipients reflected the loyalty of the energy provider’s diverse workforce.

“These employees have clocked up close to 10,000 years of accumulated service and the Service Awards are our way of saying thanks and recognising the skills and knowledge they bring to the workplace,” Terri said.

With 55 years’ service under his belt, Port Macquarie-based Technical Officer, Pat McDonald, is Essential Energy’s longest serving employee.

“There have been a lot of changes in name, work practices and safety since I began as an electrical apprentice with the then Oxley County Council in 1956 but I never considered working in another industry or with another company,” Pat said.

“I thoroughly enjoy the job and the people I work with, along with the opportunity to share advice with new generations of apprentices.”

Reg Nichols, an electrical worker from

Ewingsdale, and Stan Reimer, an account manager from Young, were each acknowledged at the Service Awards for their 50 years on the job.

Reg and Stan both attribute their career longevity to the variety of their roles, the people they work with, and Essential Energy’s commitment to local communities.

Above: Essential Energy Technical Officer, Pat McDonald (second from right) is congratulated on his 55 year anniversary with the company by Executive General Manager Organisational Transition, John Adams, Managing Director, Terri Benson, and Regional General Manager North Coast, Brian Mclean

testo 350 – the first flue gas analyzer which thinks ahead!

Testo AG launches a flue gas analyzer with innovative instrument concept and easy operation onto the market

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HE measurement technology specialist Testo AG has developed a new portable flue gas analyzer which guides the user safely through professional flue gas analysis, thanks to useful instrument pre-settings. The testo 350 is used, for example, in commissioning, maintenance and operative measurements on industrial burners, industrial engines, gas turbines or flue gas scrubber systems, as well as in the measurement of the gas atmosphere in a furnace room or in kilns.

In addition to this, the testo 350 supports in the control and monitoring of officially prescribed emission limit values in flue gas, and in function tests on stationary emission measuring instruments.

Innovative instrument concept and easy operation Depending on the requirement, the testo 350 consists of a control unit, an analyzer box and a gas sampling probe. Using the removable control unit or in direct connection to a PC or laptop (USB or Bluetooth® 2.0), the analyzer box can be easily operated. The transfer of measurement data is therefore possible even when the exhaust gas flue and the adjustment site are spatially separated. This is especially helpful, for example, when dealing with industrial burners. After easy configuration of the measurement procedure by the user, the analyzer box carries out the measurements automatically and stores the measurement values.

The measurement values are clearly presented in the large, colour graphic display of the control unit (3.5“, 240 x 320).

Users can freely configure various measurement objects such as burners, gas turbines or industrial engines. In the display, typical fuels as well as an expedient order of the flue gas parameters are presented for each of these measurement objects. In addition to this, calculations and instrument presettings are stored. Useful information in the display always guides the user safely through the measurement. This allows the flue gas analyzer to be easily operated without previous knowledge of the instrument. The work steps leading up to the start of the measurement are Page 18 - Australian Power & Energy News

reduced – testo 350 is the first flue gas analyzer which thinks ahead!

Industrial standard thanks to robust design Inherently closed cooling loops isolate the entire instrument electronics as well as the gas sensors from dirt from the surrounding air. This optimum protection ensures the analyzer can be used even in tough surroundings. Downtimes due to instrument contamination are thus almost completely eliminated thanks to this intelligent design and robustness.

The plug connections for the gas sampling probes and database cable are locked using a bayonet fitting and are thus securely attached to the analyzer box. This hinders unintentional removal avoiding measurement errors.

Cost and time savings Thanks to the selection of the measurement objects in the display as well as the carrying out of measurement procedures, faster routine work is possible in daily applications – supported also by the new colour graphic display. The service opening on the underside of the instrument allows fast access to all relevant serviceable and wearing parts such as pumps and filters. This means users can carry out cleaning, maintenance and replacement directly on site. This reduces service times and maintenance costs.

POWER AUTHORITY NEWS

••• POWER AUTHORITY NEWS ••• POWER AUTHORITY NEWS

ActewAGL kick off safety week with new warehouse T HIS November, Canberra based multi-utility ActewAGL opened its new Supply Centre warehouse, designed specifically to meet the organisation’s high operational and safety standards.

The warehouse, located at ActewAGL’s Greenway depot in Canberra, features training and conference facilities, easy vehicle access, traffic management systems, purpose-built storage areas for large and heavy items and ergonomic pick and pack benches.

ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello said, “The careful and innovative design of the centre has resulted in a warehouse that promotes better manual handling, safety, security, storage, operational efficiency and a better working environment overall.

“The relocation of inventory was an achievement in itself. Company operations were not disrupted during the 10-day relocation period.”

The opening of the Supply Centre coincided with ActewAGL’s Networks Safety Week and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to continuous safety improvement.

“This warehouse is just one of the projects and initiatives that ActewAGL is focusing on to further improve safety for our workers, aiming to be recognised as a safety leader when it comes to eliminating harm to people, property and the environment.

“Safety is at the core of ActewAGL – our internal safety motto of Work safe. Home safe.

Always safe recognises the health and safety of our workers both at home and within the workplace.

“We believe that the more we identify, eliminate or control hazards in our workplaces, the safer our jobs, and the community will be.

Reducing the number of workplace-related injuries also means that we have the opportunity to provide our customers with high-quality and timely services.”

New trainees graduate

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FTER nine months of intensive training the nine Station Operations Unit Attendant trainees have graduated.

Station Operations Manager, Nigel Browne said the trainees successfully completed the Unit Attendant course with outstanding results thanks to the significant training efforts of the Station Operations group trainers.

“All aspects of station operational process and the permit to work safety systems were covered and I am confident the trainees have the necessary technical skills and competency to ensure they operate and isolate the LYP station plant safely,” said Nigel.

The trainees completed the final close out interviews and were assigned to positions within the Station Operations roster starting on 5 November.

Graduate trainees: Back from left, Chris Dal Pra, Rohan Murray, Andrew Piechota, Brett Smee, Tony Hadjistefanis. Front from left, Joe Pedemont, Stephan Jonston, Matthew Jones, Sean Elliston

Above: ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello officially opening the new Supply Centre warehouse at the launch of ActewAGL’s Networks Safety Week

Raising the Roof

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ORK has begun on replacing the raw coal bunker roof, delivering a brighter and safer bunker.

Built in 1982 with the power station, the condition of the roof has deteriorated over time and is ready for an upgrade. The roof replacement project also incorporates installing new roof mounted deluge sprays for fire protection.

Civil Superintendent, Stewart Cluning said areas of the roof had begun to lose its integrity due to a combination of coal dust, condensation and dissimilar metals corrosion.

“Over time coal has built up where the roofing sheets overlap. In these spots, the roof sheets have experienced severe corrosion and worn away, making it necessary to replace the roof,” said Stewart.

“The laying of roof sheets is the culmination of six years of work in planning, purchasing materials, prototyping the replacement method and tendering by the ICE Group.”

The new roof will interlace steel sheets with web glass clear sheets which will prevent corrosion experienced in the old roof and allow more light to enter the bunker and improve the work environment for the Coal Delivery Officers.

“It will reduce safety issues caused by poor lighting and enable better housekeeping and inspections to be undertaken. In the small section that has been completed, you can already see a huge difference to visibility within the bunker.”

Safety is paramount on this job and 12 months of preparation by LYP and Transpacific, who is carrying out the work,

Above: Coal Delivery Officers, Jim Dear and Noel Zammit take a look at the roof works

Right: Roof sheets are loaded onto the crane

has ensured every safety precaution has been taken.

Transpacific Project Supervisor, Daniel Portelli said developing a safe and efficient process for handling the nine metre long roof sheets was a key focus.

“Each roof sheet weighs up to 80 kilograms so our aim was to minimise the amount of manual handling required in transporting the new sheets up to the roof and bringing the old ones back down to the ground,” said Daniel.

being undertaken by Deanmac.

The new above roof pipeworks will enable easier maintenance to occur by improving access to the spray heads which require changing regularly.

Stewart said while the mine Infrastructure, Civil and Environment group has been responsible for delivering this project, it had been a real team effort.

“We have found a process that works well for loading and unloading the gantry crane which lifts the sheets and have also built custom made trolleys to move them around once they reach the roof.

“We’ve had strong support from the Contracts and Procurement sections and Production Health and Safety Representatives contributing towards risk assessments,” said Stewart.

The other element of the project – installing roof mounted deluge sprays – is

The roof replacement project is expected to be completed by April 2012.

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 19

Comment - Sustainable Energy Association of Australia

APEC declaration means fossil fuel subsidies soon to run on less than the smell of an oily rag

Australian report reveals a start of the switch from coal to renewables

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HE latest Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics’ (BREE) annual publication, Major Electricity Generation Projects, released in November 2011, shows the transformation of Australia’s energy mix has begun, with 36 per cent of the committed new investment in gas and 41 per cent in wind.

This is still behind the average worldwide investment in renewable energy which accounted for approximately half of the estimated 194 gigawatts (GW) of new electricity generation capacity added globally during the year.

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HE 19th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii in November 2011, adopted a declaration to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and reducing tariffs on green goods a break on tariffs.

Energy security was a major theme of the APEC conference that brought heads of state from 21 countries, including President Barack Obama, to Hawaii for the week-long conference.

In the APEC 2011 Leaders’ Declaration: The Honolulu Declaration - Toward a Seamless Regional Economy: “We are committed to advancing our shared green growth objectives. We can and must address both the region’s economic and environmental challenges by speeding the transition toward a global low-carbon economy in a way that enhances energy security and creates new sources of economic growth and employment.”

Hawaii is a good exemplar of the changes that Government policy can create, with a broad range of projects now in train to meet Hawaii’s goal of 40% renewable energy by 2030, and major reductions in its overall electricity use through efficiency programs. In 2009, the U.S. Pacific Command committed to meeting or exceeding the state’s energy goals for its military operations in Hawaii.

The APEC forum has continued to see strong leadership from Asian nations, and particularly China, with officials particularly focussing on the need for new energy sources to supply the country’s manufacturing base.

Information presented at the forum suggested China plans outbound investment strategies in the clean energy area of $1.54 trillion during the next 15 years.

The location of the APEC conference in Honolulu has been used by China and Hawaii to establish an agreement to ‘pursue mutual interests in clean energy development.’

Fossil fuel subsidies In another significant announcement, the APEC Honolulu Declaration also committed to phase out “inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, while recognizing the importance of providing those in need with essential energy services, and set up a voluntary reporting mechanism on progress, which we will review annually.”

The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA) welcomed the APEC Leaders’ Declaration.

‘Right now APEC nations, and especially China are both leading and pushing world clean energy markets – leading through their own industry development and pushing through plans for deployment of energy efficiency solutions to energy demand and consumption of renewable energy,’ says Professor Ray Wills, SEA CEO. ‘A more sustainable future dealing with the threat of dangerous climate change is not about switching the lights off and moving into a cave, but about getting better outcomes for the economy while using less energy, and obtaining that energy from emissions free renewable energy sources.’

Page 20 - Australian Power & Energy News

How quickly can things change in Australia?

Chief Executive: Prof Ray Wills Prof Ray Wills (above) has had a wide-ranging career at different times as researcher, planner, adviser, manager and academic. Ray has substantial expertise in ecology, sustainability, climate change science and the effects of expected future climates on Australia, and is recognised by business, government and community leaders in Western Australia as an authoritative commentator on policy and functional responses to mitigate and adapt to global warming.

International smart grid technologies conference underscores a smarter future

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EEE Power and Energy Society’s Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Asia 2011 Conference (IEEE PES ISGT Asia 2011) was held in Perth during November 2011.

Organisation of the IEEE PES ISGT Asia 2011 has been led by the Centre for Smart Grid and Sustainable Power Systems at Curtin University and the conference was opened by Professor Andris Stelbovics, Pro Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University.

The opening keynote address was delivered Wanda Reder, Vice President of Power Systems Services at S&C Electric Company as well as the Global Architect for S&C’s global service operations, and is the Immediate Past President of the IEEE Power & Energy Society.

‘Smart grid technologies are great, but there’s a lot more to be done - we have to engage with the consumer in a meaningful way so they understand the real and substantial advantages that a smart grid will deliver to them as consumers,’ said Ms Reder.

In addressing the conference on behalf of Western Australian network utility Western Power, a key supporter of the event, General Manager Regulation and Sustainability, Phil Southwell, concurred saying that ‘we need demonstrations of smart grid installations connecting smarter homes that reveal the benefits to customers.’

The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA - www.seaaus.com.au), also a supporter of the conference, welcomed

Ms Reder’s and Mr Southwell’s comments.

‘A key part of changing the way we use energy in the 21st Century will be through the adoption of smarter technologies in appliances deployed in homes and businesses, better integration and smarter management of energy use, connecting smart meters to smart grids to smarter, more sustainable cities,’ says Professor Ray Wills, SEA CEO. ‘However, there is a challenge arising in growing cynicism around the good news that is renewable energy, and the better news that is smarter ways to use energy that cost us less – a cynicism that feeds on the myth that maybe the benefit of a smart grid is only to those that are selling the energy, and assumes no benefit to the customer,’ says Prof Wills.

‘One of the goals of smarter networks must extend to reducing the amount of electricity you need for your home, and that means the appliances you buy must work to both help you and to save you money at the same time, not behaving like an unwanted houseguest demanding to be fed.’

‘A more sustainable future dealing with the threat of dangerous climate change is not about switching the lights off and moving into a cave, but about getting better life outcomes while using less energy, and, whenever we can, to create that energy from emissions free renewable energy sources.’

Curtin University and Western Power are corporate members of SEA, a business chamber supporting action on climate change through the deployment of sustainable energy solutions.

Look at a natural market change not influenced by pressing climate issues of climate change. Less than 30 years ago 65% of Western Australia’s on-grid electricity generation was coal, now in 2011 65% is gas. This shows a market can quite simply swap the majority share of any generation in the space of 30 years.

Coal-fired power generation, which currently accounts for around 75% of Australia’s total electricity generation, was only 17% of the committed new investment in power stations for the 12 months to October 2011.

If this figure held for the next few years, this potentially means that in 30 years time, less than 20% of Australia’s energy use will be from coal. Thirty years is perfectly logical timeframe because capital markets generally amortise large investments in plant over 15 years, and generally consider retiring and replacing old operations through new investments after 25-30 years.

Incentives to build coal-fired power are continuously diminishing – policy settings for lower emissions energy sources, prices on carbon and community opposition manifest in the market as increasing investment risk and financial institutions are increasingly unlikely to even consider funding a coal-fired power station.

This is reflected in reality - in 2008 the forecast build for coal globally was 64 gigawatts, the actual build in 2010 was 14 GW! The suggestion the world is building coal is myth based – the world is actually building less and less coal, not more and more.

Based simplistically on 2011 numbers, in 30 years time, the retirement of generation plant will be 36% gas, 41% wind, and 17% coal.

‘The journey for Australia has begun,’ says Professor Ray Wills, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia (SEA).

‘While Australia is lagging the rate of investment in renewables in other parts of the world, the market is now starting to change.’

‘We know from studies on all forms of markets that transition from a particular technology to another, that once the transition starts, it is not slow – horsedrawn carriages to cars, steam trains to diesel trains, VCR to DVD, landlines to mobile phones – these are just a few examples of technology transitions most commonly achieved in around or decade or two,’