APEN Vol 16 No 85 by Australian Main Roads Construction News

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VOL. 16 NO. 85 - February/March 2012

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

Marubeni & Hyosung a Powerhouse of Influence Hyosung Reactor, Davenport Substation Pages 7-9

Big prospect for little sub Page 14

Dedicated ActewAGL employees celebrate 25 years of service

Connections initiative provides greater transparency and efficiency

HE Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) today launched a key component of its Victorian Connections Initiative program to introduce streamlined and cost effective processes for connecting generators and loads to Victoria’s shared electricity network.

Above: ActewAGL CEO Michael Costello recently congratulated 13 of the 19 ActewAGL employees who reached 25 years of service during 2011 ActewAGL’s annual long and dedicated staff awards have recognised 19 employees who reached 25 years of service last year. From cable layers and electrical fitters

to water industry operators and engineers, these committed individuals have helped ActewAGL deliver electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services to Canberra and the surrounding region for a quarter of a century.

Publisher: AUSTRALIAN POWER INDUSTRY NEWS PTY LTD ACN 109 354 467 ABN 49 109 354 467 Publishers of:

ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello said, “I would like to thank all 19 employees for their 25 years of service to the people of the ACT. “These dedicated employees, who started their careers with the ACT Electricity Authority (ACTEA) or the Department of Housing and Construction, have witnessed first-hand the development of Canberra. The city we live in today is a testament to the labour of these committed team members and that of many others like them.” Graham Burgess of Yass started with ACTEA as a Trades Assistant on 23 June 1985 and is currently employed as a Team Leader Senior Stores Person at ActewAGL’s Water division.

Published Bi-Monthly - Circulated to key personnel within all Power Utilities and Power Generators throughout Australia and New Zealand

Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including Road Construction Engineers, Field Leaders, Managers, Road Construction Team Leaders, Maintenance Engineers

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“I have had many interesting and challenging roles during my time at ActewAGL. It’s been a great learning experience. I’ve also met lots of interesting people who have been good friends as well as work mates,” Mr Burges said. ActewAGL offers extensive apprenticeship, traineeship and graduate programs, along with competitive salaries and excellent benefits including a health and wellbeing program that includes free gym memberships, salary sacrificing, awards schemes and bonuses. To find out more about careers at ActewAGL visit actewagl.com.au

The web-based information kit provides a step-by-step guide to the transmission network connections process in Victoria. Designed to be a comprehensive “one stop shop” for network connections information, the new website tool provides practical advice including technical requirements, costs and timeframes for processing applications, as well as access to commercial and technical policies and guidelines. “The Connections Initiative program was initiated by AEMO in response to stakeholder feedback calling for greater transparency of policies and processes, more efficient planning of long-term requirements and a more competitive environment for augmentation service provision,” said Senior Manager Connections Initiatives, Margarida Pimentel. Members of the Victorian Connections Industry Reference Group (VCIRG) and selected generators took the opportunity to review and interact with the online kit during October. “Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the prototype as being information-rich, user-friendly, and an excellent start to a valuable resource”, Ms Pimentel said. The web-based information kit draws together three separate projects identified under the Victorian Connection Initiatives Program – terminal station requirements, information and process and procurement. The terminal station requirement component of the project includes guidelines for establishing terminal stations, guidelines for shared transmission connections and a cost allocation policy for Victoria. These documents address contractual, technical, and commercial fundamentals of transmission infrastructure planning and funding, aim to create cost efficiencies and also help guide and manage community expectations. A procurement project is exploring the principles underpinning various connections contracts, and an updated version of these will be available on the information kit prior to Christmas. This project also considers new options for procuring transmission infrastructure, and a new procurement framework proposal is being developed for consultation with industry in 2012.

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

“The consultation will focus on promoting greater competition, and providing generators with more direct control over construction timeframes and costs,” Ms Pimentel said.

Manager: Brett Hobson brett@geothermaust.com.au

The Victorian Network Connections Information Kit is available at: http://www.aemo.com.au/connections/ network_connections/index.html

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 3

POWER AUTHORITY NEWS

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

ActewAGL House gets Scrap metal funds environment initiatives green stamp of approval C OMMUNITY gardens, native revegetation and community events are amongst the sustainability projects that will come to life thanks to the sale of ENERGEX’s scrap metal.

The company has announced the recipients of the ENERGEX Sustainability and Environment Fund (ESEF), with a total of more than $80,000 presented to local South East Queensland community groups, environmental organisations and schools. The latest round of funding will assist the delivery of 16 local sustainability and environment initiatives ranging from local fauna and flora projects to education programs and community sustainability events. Recipients of the second round of ESEF sponsorships include:

Above: ActewAGL House in Civic receives a 5.5 star NABERS Energy rating

ActewAGL’s corporate headquarters in Civic has been given the green-light with a 5.5 star energy rating for tenancy from the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS).

Good News Lutheran School, Mount Ommaney - $5,000 for the revegetation of native flora to attract local wildlife.

Middle Park Childcare Centre - $2,000 to create and maintain a vegetable patch to teach children about sustainable food growing.

Pullen Pullen Catchment Group - $5,000 for the purchase of items required for the rescue and care of injured and orphaned native wildlife. Rainworth State School - $1,200 for the removal of weeds and mulching of trees to create a bushland tract on the campus of the school.

Save our Waterways Now (SOWN) - $10,000 to access, remove and recycle weed trees. Bushcare Peregian - $5,000 to purchase a trailer which will provide a mobile central storage location and for equipment needed for Bushcare activities. Hays Inlet Festival - $5,000 towards a bi-annual family day to engage and educate the community about the natural environment. Bald Hills State School - $3,000 for campus revegetation to provide additional habitat for wildlife, particularly through increased ground fauna. Marshall Road State School - $5,000 for a permaculture plot to teach students sustainable use of the land.

NABERS is a voluntary environmental rating system for office premises, tailored to building owners, managers and building occupants. The energy rating for tenancy is based on the floor area, the number of people and computers in the building and number of work hours per week. ActewAGL Chief Finance Officer John Knox said, “This is a great result for ActewAGL. We’ve been in the purpose-built building since June 2010 and absolutely love it. “From the beginning ActewAGL and building owners, Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL), committed to working hard to achieve a NABERS Energy rating for both the base building and tenancy. The building was designed to make the most of smart, ecofriendly technologies and building materials to reduce the building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.” AHL achieved a 5 star energy rating for the base build, which included the installation of a passive chilled-beam airconditioning system. This system requires significantly less energy to provide the same heating and cooling effect as a traditional system.

ActewAGL achieved a 5.5 star energy rating for tenancy. Smart technologies installed during construction, as well as innovative design, were significant contributors towards the tenancy rating. Other building features included an energy-efficient lighting system and open plan fit-out that reduced the need for additional supplementary airconditioning. “We are looking forward from here – next year we will revisit the NABERS assessment process and are already looking at improvements that will get us closer to achieving a 6 star tenancy rating,” Mr Knox said. ActewAGL is always looking for ways to reduce its impact on the environment and is reminding the community there are many simple and effective things that households can do to reduce their carbon footprint. ActewAGL provides a wide range of practical energysaving tips on its website to help households save energy – and money. To find out other ways that ActewAGL is helping the environment or useful energysaving tips visit actewagl.com.au/environment

Electrical Supply Industry Field Days 2012

Australian Youth Climate Coalition - $6,000 for community education through a film night, and an energy reduction program for students.

Coffs Harbour NSW 24th & 25th July 2012

Wildlife Qld Bayside Branch - $5,000 for a community education program including

EXHIBITOR NOTIFICATION

monthly meetings, ‘science in the pub’ seminars, and materials for interactive festival displays.

Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School Ormeau - $3,500 for the establishment of a community garden to teach students about sustainable practises and to engage the local community.

Gold Coast Permaculture - $6,000 for the development of community gardens and the development of educational material and resources for primary school visits. Australian Rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife (ARROW) - $8,000 to build a rehabilitation aviary for raptors, such as wedge tail eagles.

ABC Landcare Coominya - $5,000 to stabilise creek bank pressure points before future flood events.

Ipswich Koala Protection Society - $5,000 to provide furnishings for a wildlife clinic for sick, injured and orphaned animals. As part of ENERGEX’s commitment to sustainability, ESEF sponsorships are wholly funded by the sale of scrap metal and other materials. Last financial year 3,317 tonnes of metal, 603,680 litres of oil and 14,824 metres of timber were recycled by ENERGEX. Applications for the next round of ESEF sponsorships will open in March 2012. Information about the fund is available at energex.com.au/sustainability. Page 4 - Australian Power & Energy News

Please be advised Rentara Pty Ltd have been appointed Exhibition Managers for the above event. Exhibition areas will encompass both indoor and outdoor displays Exhibitors that supported the 2011 ESI event at Wagga have already been included on the EOI listing – however all other interested exhibitors are invited to forward EOI to – admin@rentara.com.au

Further information will be forwarded in due course

“The Field Days are a great way to meet other field crews – and show them what we’re made of!”

The atmosphere will be electric at this year’s Field Days

2012 Electricity Supply Industry Field Days

Don’t miss the most exciting event on the industry calendar – the 2012 Electricity Supply Industry Field Days. Taking place in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 24 July and Wednesday 25 July 2012, this year’s Field Days are a relaxed and hands-on way for you and your team to focus on safety and show off your skills along with some of the best field crews in the state. Discover the latest safety innovations and techniques from industry leaders, attend informative workshops and enjoy the chance to meet and relax with colleagues and other field crews. Plus, there are great prizes and giveaways. For more information, go to fielddayswithenergy.com.au

Coffs Harbour Showground

Tuesday 24 July and Wednesday 25 July 2012 123 Paciﬁc Highway Coffs Harbour NSW

The 2012 Electricity Supply Industr y Field Days are hosted by Essential Energy, in association with the NSW Industr y Safety Steering Committee (the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Ser vices, Division of Resources and Energy).

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 5

Helidon community shed opens as part of flood restoration efforts I

n support of the Lockyer Valley’s fighting spirit to rebuild after last year’s devastating floods, Energy Minister Stephen Robertson today opened the ENERGEX Community Shed in Helidon. Mr Robertson was joined at the opening by ENERGEX Chairman John Dempsey and members of ENERGEX crews who worked around the clock to rebuild the region’s power network after in January 2011. “ENERGEX has kindly donated more than $50,000 to build this multi-purpose shed for the Lockyer Valley community,” Mr Robertson said. “I am very pleased to hand over the keys of this important facility to Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones. “This is 16x10 metre shed is more than just a storage facility for post-flood recovery equipment and materials. “It can also be used as a hub for the community’s future emergency response efforts. Mr Robertson said the ENERGEX Lockyer Valley Community Shed is located on School Street in Helidon. “In support of local businesses and to help the community get back on its feet after the floods, the shed has been constructed primarily by local tradespeople and, where possible, with locally-sourced products,” he said. “This is why the Community Shed project has become an important symbol of strength for the community during the rebuilding efforts.

Left to right: Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones, Energex Chairman John Dempsey and Queensland State Minister for Energy Stephen Robertson cut the ribbon to the new Community Shed “Local businesses involved in constructing the shed include Lockyer Valley Sheds and Peter Rattray Electrical.” ENERGEX Chairman, John Dempsey, is a proud supporter of the project and ENERGEX’s commitment to South East Queensland’s western areas.

“The shed will provide the residents of Helidon and surrounding areas with a multiuse building that represents the spirit of the community,” Mr Dempsey said. “This building is a symbol of the resilience of this region and its residents to rebuild after such a terrible event.”

Mayor Steve Jones also welcomed the completion of the shed. “This is going to be a huge benefit for the community and we thank and commend ENERGEX for their support of the Lockyer Valley and its people,” Cr Jones said.

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

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 6 - 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.

Reinforcing electricity transmission reliability in the Upper North and Eyre Peninsula Electricity transmission security ElectraNet completed its Davenport 2nd Reactor project in November 2011, replacing the existing aged 275 kV 30 MVar reactor at the Davenport Substation with a new 275 kV 50 MVar reactor, which system planning studies had shown, was the optimal size of the reactor bank for forecast future transmission load requirements. The installation of the first reactor was completed in November 2009. The new reactor aids in reducing the discrepancy between the capacitor charge generated and the required output. At times of low demand on the South Australian electricity transmission network, the existing charge from the radial transmission lines at the Davenport Substation exceeds the combined reactive demand of ElectraNet’s direct-connect customers and the transmission reactive losses, resulting in an over-supply of reactive power that raises transmission network voltages. On-line generators and network reactors assist with improving effectiveness of the grids through evening out and stabilizing voltage during load variations. ‘Voltage control at Davenport supports the health and stability of the entire electricity transmission network in South Australia, as it is the hub for a number of radial lines,’ said Mr Phil Court-Kowalski, ElectraNet’s Executive Manager, Network Services.

Hyosung Reactor Davenport Substation

‘Replacing the aged reactor improves transmission stability, as it reduces overvoltage during sudden load drops. The project will provide greater long-term electricity transmission security in the Upper North,’ he added.

Under the National Electricity Rules (NER), ElectraNet has a requirement to ensure that the voltage is between 95 percent and 105 percent of the target voltage, under normal operating conditions. The maximum rating of ElectraNet infrastructure is 110 percent, which complies with NER requirements.

and manages South Australia’s regulated high-voltage electricity transmission network, and operate in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM).

The Davenport Substation

Right across our society, consumers are demanding more electricity – in homes there are more improved lifestyle appliances, particularly air conditioners. And commercial, mining and manufacturing demands are also on the rise. As well, we are experiencing accelerated development of renewable energy generation, driven by the federal government’s renewable energy targets (RETs) policy.

The 275 kV Davenport Substation was originally built in the 1980s to provide a critical 275 kV connection point for the Upper North. The substation had three 275 kV 30 MVar Shunt reactors installed to cater for the reactive power compensation. The three reactors, manufactured in 1982, have since reached the end of their operational lives. The Davenport 1st reactor installation project was completed in 2010 and replaced one of the existing 30 MVar reactors with a 50 MVar reactor.

Together, ElectraNet and South Australian communities have a pivotal role to play in South Australia’s energy future.

So, with growth in future power demand a certainty, the timely establishment of new regulated electricity transmission infrastructure is essential. To find out more, please visit www.electranet.com.au

In 2010, the 132 kV Switchyard at Playford A was relocated to the Davenport Substation, fulfilling the purpose for which the Davenport Substation was developed – to allow for the eventual relocation of the Switchyard at Playford A, consolidating electricity infrastructure at the Davenport site. This also allowed for the retirement of aged plant and equipment at Playford A. Works included increasing the transformer capacity, which converted Davenport into a new electricity hub with enhanced reliability for both the Eyre Peninsula and the Upper North of South Australia.

About ElectraNet ElectraNet is South Australia’s electricity transmission specialist. As the principal Transmission Network Services Provider (TNSP) in South Australia, ElectraNet owns Above: Reactor Surge Arrestors

Above: Canowie Exit Surge Arrestors Australian Power & Energy News - Page 7

Marubeni & Hyosung a Powerhouse of Influence inland transportation, installation/assembly, site testing, financial guarantees and project specific insurances. It’s a failsafe process in which Marubeni excels and it ensures complete satisfaction for the company that issues the contract. In this instance there were no variations or extra charges applied, despite the difficulties faced by Marubeni in securing and delivering the reactor to ElectraNet. The shunt reactor was delivered on time, energised and put into service at the end of November 2011 in time to meet the summer peak demand.

MARUBENI WINS GOLD CLASS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD Earlier this year, Marubeni Corporation was awarded the SAM Sector Leader in Support Services. SAM is a global CSR research and rating company headquartered in Zurich which sets economic, environmental and social standards from the perspective of sustainability. To achieve that special status a rating is derived from a broad range of material sourced from companies and the media. Gold Class status is attained by a company dependent on its ability to seize opportunities and manage risks derived from economic, environmental and social developments. It must achieve a minimum score of 75% in each sector and in 2012 Marubeni Corporation was awarded SAM Gold Class.

ARUBENI Australia Limited (MAL) continues to expand its interests nationally and the company’s market reach reveals a level of performance that appears to be limitless. Having supplied high voltage products for the Australian market for the last 50 years and with equity in power generation, gas distribution and HVDC interconnectors, Marubeni has a proven capability to deliver through all areas of both the existing and emerging power and energy sectors. As a 100% owned subsidiary of the Marubeni Corporation this Australian entity is active in every state and certainly has the power and influence to sustain no matter which way you look at it. Late last year that influence could be seen at work in the South Australian power sector when the challenge was issued by ElectraNet to upgrade the company’s Davenport Substation. ElectraNet is both owner and manager of South Australia’s electricity transmission network and the Davenport upgrade is part of its extensive, $200 million programme to upgrade its high voltage electricity network to meet the increasing demands on the Eyre Peninsula and in the Port Augusta region.

is testimony to the high standard of product that the company produces. India is also a big customer of the Hyosung transformer range Hyosung’s entry into the Australian market began with the supply of a160MVA 132/275kV transformer through Marubeni to ElectraNet in early 2011. Since then, Hyosung has supplied 132kV GIS switchgear to Endeavour Energy in NSW, shunt reactors to ElectraNet and EHV transformers for the Macarthur Wind Farm in Victoria for Leighton - AGL.

The existing 30MVar shunt reactor at the 275kV Davenport Substation had reached its use by date and needed to be replaced by a larger 50MVar reactor. Marubeni was awarded the contract to replace the old reactor in January 2011 however; the challenge was to achieve that outcome by mid-October 2011in time to satisfy the increased electricity demands of the oncoming peak summer period. It’s a timetable that under normal circumstances would be hard to keep given that the required reactor had to be built but when it’s a matter of ‘who you know’ you can be sure that Marubeni’s influence will prevail.

Hyosung’s reactors are the product of an inhouse technological independence which has seen the manufacturer establish its superiority over most competitors. Built to both Australian and international standards, Hyosung shunt reactors are extremely robust and reliable. They are also quieter and do not vibrate as much as other reactors which means that they are far less prone to potential longer term problems associated with vibration.

The solution to the tight schedule came by way of Marubeni’s long standing relationship with Hyosung Corporation, a Korean industrial giant with a leading reputation on the world stage for its manufacture of power transformers as well as industrial machinery, construction and chemicals. Through its supply of transformers, Hyosung currently controls a 20% market share in the USA and unusually for an Asian company in Europe, has a period contract to supply the UK national grid. This achievement in itself Page 8 - Australian Power & Energy News

THE MARUBENIHYOSUNG CONNECTION DELIVERS CERTAINTY Marubeni Australia has been Hyosung’s agent for a range of industrial products in Australia for the last ten years particularly transformers, shunt reactors and HV motors however, when the call went out for a 50MVar reactor, Hyosung’s huge factory was already at 100% capacity feeding the huge worldwide demand for its range of products. But due to the strength of the relationship between the company and

Marubeni, Hyosung recognized the priority and somehow found a manufacturing slot to build the reactor. Unfortunately and despite the best intentions of all involved, although the turnkey reactor was built over an extremely efficient 12 week period followed by the mandatory, quality control testing processes, the ship that would transport the shunt reactor from Busan to Adelaide was unexpectedly cancelled. With the normal mode of transport sidelined, meeting the tight delivery schedule required some initiative and an alternative transport solution. Marubeni quickly arranged with Hyosung to land the reactor in Melbourne, where it was picked up and transported overland to the Davenport site. It was a massive team effort between ElectraNet’s Project manager, his team of engineers, as well as Hyosung and Marubeni personnel who coordinated the transport of the 104 tonne reactor. Despite all the logistics involved the reactor was delivered on time and installed at the Davenport Substation by the due October date.

This highly competitive, international award is significant because it highlights a company’s approach on the world stage across a wide range of operational activities. The criteria includes how it conducts relationships with customers and employees; its corporate policies and philosophies; training programmes; management expertise; incentive schemes as well as the social and environmental impact of its activities and even its regard for human rights issues. Marubeni Australia Ltd has a proven capacity to respond with cost effective, energy related solutions across a broad range of interests including mining, wind farms, plantations, smelters, pipelines, wood chipping, light rail, distribution networks, gas facilities and power stations. It’s a market influence that continues to grow and one that is further strengthened by the combined forces of the Marubeni and Hyosung connection.

The successful on time delivery is significant because it highlights the benefits of the ‘single wrap’ contract when any client is dealing with Marubeni in the purchase and delivery of a Hyosung product. Any issues that arise are dealt with by the Australian company and it supplies the complete package. At one end, Hyosung’s manufacturing and technical expertise is second to none and at the other, Marubeni’s function is to provide port/customs handling/clearance,

Above: Spare reactor at the Tailem Bend storage yard

82-2-707-6683

Selenakim@hyosung.com

Australian Power & Energy News - Page 9

New cables link Sydney’s eastern suburbs

USGRID has started work on a new dual 132,000 Volt feeder route under the streets of Sydney’s eastern suburbs to link its proposed new switching station in Surry Hills to two new zone substations in Bondi and Rose Bay.

The two feeders will carry six transmission cables which will be the backbone of the local electricity network that supplies power to about 40,000 customers in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Transmission cable crews recently completed the first section of work to install about one kilometre of conduit through Sydney’s Centennial Park. Five sets of specialist cable crews will now work simultaneously to trench three kilometres west from Centennial Park towards Ausgrid’s proposed Riley Street subtransmission switching station in Surry Hills, and four kilometres east towards the new 132/11 kV Rose Bay zone substation. The cables will also connect into the new 132/11 kV Waverley zone substation in Bondi, which is currently in construction and expected to be in operation in 2013.

General Manager Transmission Trevor Armstrong said Sydney’s eastern suburbs were served by one of the most established electricity networks in Australia. “Much of this network was built in the 1950s and 1960s at a time when the needs of Sydney residents were much different to the technology driven world today,” Mr Armstrong said. “This existing infrastructure has served the community well for the past 50 years but is now approaching the time for replacement. “Annual peak demand for power across these suburbs is expected to grow at about 4.5 per cent over the next five years driven by an increase in air conditioners and electrical appliances. “Crews including builders, engineers, substation technicians and cable jointers will help construct this vital feeder route and important zone substations to meet this increasing demand.” The Waverley and Rose Bay zone substations will each feature two 50 MVA transformers, 28 panels of 11 kV switchgear and 132 kV GIS bus bars rated at 1600 amps Crews are expected to complete the new feeder route in early 2013 as part of Ausgrid’s $1.27 billion investment over five years in the Sydney east electricity network.

Above: Ausgrid Surry Hills to Rose Bay feeder trenching

TransGrid holds inaugural TransGrid completes Generator Forum construction on vital power P line in NSW Central West TransGrid has completed the construction of a new power line between Manildra and Parkes. TransGrid’s Executive General Manager, Mr Michael Gatt, said the completion of construction on the new transmission line will help ensure a reliable power supply to the Manildra, Parkes, Cowra and Forbes areas into the future. “Construction of the new high capacity 132kV transmission line was completed during December 2011,” said Mr Gatt. “The new power line will strengthen the Central West’s electricity supply network which provides power to thousands of homes and businesses in the region,” he said. “The new transmission line will provide the additional capacity needed to meet expected increases in electricity demand over the coming years.” Construction of the new transmission line involved the installation of more than 360 concrete power poles over 81 kilometres. A team of more than 100 staff and local contractors have been working with helicopter crews since August 2011 to string electrical wires along the length of the new line. TransGrid commenced construction on the new transmission line in January 2011. The line will be energised during the first half of 2012.

Page 10 - Australian Power & Energy News

OWER generation representatives from across Australia gathered in Sydney’s CBD recently for TransGrid’s first ever Generator Forum. Opening the inaugural 2012 Generator Forum, TransGrid’s Manager Director, Mr Peter McIntyre, said the Forum was part of TransGrid’s commitment to its generation customers. “The results of TransGrid’s 2011 Customer Survey indicated that generation customers would welcome more formal opportunities to discuss the future of the NSW transmission network,” said Mr McIntyre. “The Forum is part of TransGrid’s ongoing commitment to our customers, providing them with the opportunity to talk personally with our most senior Network Planning and Performance staff to help them make informed investment decisions,” he said. “Effective transmission and generation investments ensure the most cost efficient forms of generation are connected to the National Electricity Market.” A number of TransGrid’s senior staff members presented on key technical challenges for power generation and transmission,

Above: TransGrid’s Manager Director, Mr Peter McIntyre including the connection process of new generation, the Transmission Network Service Provider Incentive Scheme, Network Support and Control Ancillary Services. Additionally, attendees were presented with the latest NSW electricity demand forecasts and details of system constraints. TransGrid’s Generator Forum presentations are available at www.transgrid.com.au

Rocla® Poles Reach New Heights in Customer Satisfaction

HE ABILITY to offer fast turnaround on delivery and installation has seen Rocla® pre-stressed reinforced concrete poles play a powerful part in the implementation of coal freight operator QR National’s $195million Blackwater Power Project in Queensland.

The project involves the electrification of an existing rail system linking mines to ports, and is a significant step for the State’s coal industry. Once complete it will nearly double the electric capacity of the Blackwater rail system in the Central Queensland Coal Network, allowing haulage of 85 million tonnes of coal a year. Within the project’s infrastructure are four feeder stations which form the interface between the rail system and the high voltage power system required to make it work. At the Raglan Station, near Rockhampton, nearly 60 Rocla® Poles – ranging between 18 and 24 metres high – were specified to carry the associated power lines. With such a large capital investment at stake, it was important that all aspects of the project were completed on time and to specification, and the promise of a cost effective and easyto-install solution played a large part in QR National’s selection of Rocla® product. To meet the targeted completion date of late 2011 Rocla’s Rockhampton Poles team provided a high level of technical support at the design and engineering stage, and implemented a quick turn-around delivery process. These measures, along with the installation of the Poles via the direct embedment method, ultimately resulted in a very smooth installation and commissioning process, not to mention a very happy client.

In fact, such was their delight with the outcome, QR National’s representative for the project was moved to comment: “I would like to thank (Rocla) for your support and assistance during the development phase... I am sure we have set a new standard in transmission systems.” Powerful praise indeed.

Project at a Glance: Project Name: Feeder Line to Raglan Substation, part of QR National’s Blackwater Power Rail Electrification Project Location: Raglan, 60km east of Rockhampton, Queensland Client: QR National – Australia’s largest rail freight operator. Product Used: 57 pre-stressed Rocla® reinforced concrete poles, ranging in length from 18 to 24 metres. Installation: With time and cost efficiency critical, the Poles were placed via direct embedment method in an augured hole, meaning there was no need for expensive mass concrete footings. To learn more about Rocla’s range of prestressed reinforced concrete poles, visit www.rocla.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 11

True 3-Phase Ratiometer Now 250V ! 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%.

True 3-phase Supply 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.

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 excitation current are displayed on the display with true threephase 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.

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!

The RMO600 is now available with optional Demagnetising. This option is useful when measuring the contact resistance of large circuit breakers with current transformers integrated into the bushings or measuring the joint resistance of busbars when there is a current transformer between the connection points. The high test current can magnetise the CT cores and failure to demagnetise after test can cause problems when the CT’s are energised.

RMO600G 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 Changes in Test Current Ripple are indicated during transitions

Right: The DVPower RMO-T series

Left: Burnt contacts detected by dynamic resistance measurement

Page 12 - Australian Power & Energy News

3-Phase Demagnitiser Existing owners of high current Micro-ohmmeters 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. Demagnetising instruments from DV-Power comprise: • RMO40TD Transformer Ohmmeter • RMO60TD Transformer Ohmmeter • RMO600D Micro-ohmmeter • DEM60 3-phase Transformer Demagnetiser

MicroOhmmeters

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.

Ratiometers: DV-Power TRT Series

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

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, CloseOpen, 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 • Optional Demagnetisation

Ratiometers DV-Power TRT Series • True 3-phase test supply to 250V • 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 & Demagnetisation

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

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 13

Big prospect for little sub

Above: The Tamborine reliability substation. In the foreground is where the new native frog habitat will be established and surrounding the rest of the site will be more than 6,000 native grasses, shrubs and trees

IT may not be a large substation, but it has a big future as ENERGEX turns a humble infrastructure site into an environmental haven. At the foothills of the picturesque Mt Tamborine in the Gold Coast hinterland, ENERGEX had the need for a reliability substation for around 3,500 local homes and businesses. Not a big facility in terms of infrastructure – just 8MW – but it’s located on 2.5 hectares which will soon be used by ENERGEX as a carbon offset site.

ENERGEX bolsters Moggill power backbone

A first for ENERGEX and South East Queensland, there will be more than 12,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses planted at the site and a frog habitat will be established over the next 12 months to help counter the distributor’s operating emissions. The $6.8 million project is half way complete with the substation finished. Ancillary 33,000 lines and commissioning is aimed for completion mid this year. After commissioning the offset work will commence and be carried out over the next 12 months.

ETSA Utilities invests $11M to strengthen supply to the South

UBSTANTIAL works are currently underway to reinforce ETSA Utilities’ power supply chain from Adelaide’s southern suburbs to as far south as Victor Harbor and Kangaroo Island.

The $11.2 million project follows the creation of City West, a new transmission Connection Point (CP) at Keswick, one of three Connection Points supplying the southern regions of ETSA Utilities’ 66kV network. To safely connect City West to the distribution network, ETSA Utilities is upgrading its Happy Valley Connection Point, which will include the installation of new 66kV circuit breakers and stateof-the-art telecommunications and protection equipment. The Happy Valley 66/11kV substation is also receiving a significant upgrade that will bring it into line with the requirements of the Happy Valley CP. An ETSA Utilities spokesman, Paul Roberts said the project represented a significant boost to the State’s southern power supplies. “We’re investing heavily in the network and this project is a key part of that,” Mr Roberts said. “It is very evident that South Australia’s southern regions are experiencing strong residential growth, and the forecast is that this is set to continue. “City West - and subsequent work in Happy Valley - will further strengthen our Network and our ability to meet both present and future load demand to the area.” ETSA Utilities embarked on planning and design in 2010, with site works commencing earlier last year. The substation upgrade is set for completion by this summer, and the Connection Point by mid-2012.

Above: An Army helicopter and North Stradbroke Island Ferry assist to cut conductors at Moggill during the 2011 floods

HOPPERS and ENERGEX staff have completed bolstering the power network to some of Brisbane’s hardest hit suburbs affected by 2011’s floods. During South East Queensland’s floods many of the Queensland capital’s western suburbs had power cut for up to two weeks after large feeders on the network were “bulldozed” by a swollen and fast-flowing Brisbane River. The $13 million project upgraded the power supply to 4,500 homes and businesses in Moggill and surrounding areas and included the installation of new 33kV powerlines between the east and west banks of the Brisbane River just near the Moggill Ferry. The upgrade also used higher towers and larger concrete pads to help it withstand any future inundation. Page 14 - Australian Power & Energy News

According to ENERGEX’s Asset Manager David Wise, the upgrades will benefit a number of western Brisbane communities that had their power cut by January’s floods. “In January 2012 areas such as Moggill, Bellbowrie, Anstead, Pullenvale, Kenmore and Pinjarra Hills lost power after floodwaters washed through taking with them the two primary powerlines supplying the region,” Mr Wise said. “What we have constructed here is a larger and more robust power supply to provide a third injection point of electricity into the local area. “This additional powerline will be very handy during storms and similar events because it also offers another option for ENERGEX technicians to reroute power should severe weather interrupt the local electricity supply.”

ETSA Utilities powers up new residential developments at Freeling ETSA Utilities has installed a new modular substation at Freeling North in order to meet the growing power needs of the Barossa township and surrounding areas. The $2.3 million investment will support increased power demand in the wake of new residential developments at Freeling. “We had forecast significant load increases in the area so it was important that we were on the front foot,” ETSA Utilities spokesman, Paul Roberts said. “Freeling North substation is designed to take on this additional demand, however, we are also ensuring that this substation will be able to handle future load requirements as well. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to investing in and delivering a reliable and secure power supply to the South Australian community.” There were some key challenges during the project, which required considerable coordination of various workgroups and contractors during the planning and construction phases. Before the substation could be installed, detailed design work and subsequent civil works were required to combat the site’s substantial gradient. The skid mounted modular substation was assembled at ETSA Utilities’ Marleston depot - in Adelaide’s southern suburbs - prior to its transportation and installation onsite.

Carona Cameras - Now an Industry Reality! Recent innovations and research effort have served to firmly establish this exciting technology for MV and HV insulator asset management in Australasia By Trevor Lord, LORD Power Equipment

ORONA has been described by some commentators as one of the ‘cancers’ of the MV/HV power industry. Contrary to earlier-held views that the issue was just one of the ‘facts of life’ in this Industry, more recent research has now served to illustrate just how potentially damaging the phenomena is to components close to or upon which it occurs. Once thought only to be the domain of the HV plant, it has now been convincingly demonstrated to have impacted the MV market segment to an equal, if not greater, cost and degree. Indeed, the extent to which the corona mechanism has been either directly responsible for, or a major contributor to, insulator and overhead structure deterioration has alarmed many already and prompted a major rethink of the role of prevention in this whole business. Although it was once believed that ceramic and galvanised components could pretty much live with corona indefinitely, that fallacy is now seen to have cost the Industry hugely in largely-preventable damage. Worse still, if the real scenario of coronainduced damage to ‘traditional’ componentry was not bad enough, the comparatively recent

Above: A corona image of salt-induced pollution compromising a 220 kV insulator

introduction of non-ceramic insulator (‘NCI’) technologies has made the problem intolerable and pressing. NCI product, whilst offering may enticing features, simply is destroyed by corona activity and in short order! The widely-published evidence of coronainducted damage to NCI product is sobering, if not alarming in its scope and ferocity, and demands a direct response of planned, systematic corona management. The loss of one NCI bushing alone in New Zealand worth $0.5 million directly as a result of pollution-induced corona damage (Fig 1) leaves little doubt on this point. Multiple reports of line drops in 66 and 132 kV lines in local distribution and transmission companies in the region paint an equally concerning picture of an issue that will not wait for a leisurely response. Hearteningly, a suitably-focussed attention to the matter is now being seen in the levels of uptake of corona cameras amongst Australasian distribution and industrial companies. Corona camera surveys and condition assessments of both newly-commissioned and in-service plant are now an integral part of any responsible insulator asset managment programme. Associated applications cover a wide spectrum and include, by way of illustration: confirmation of suitable insulator design or revised insulator installation, especially in sites facing adverse operational environments; preventative maintenance inspections of older hook-and-pin designs; identification of the sources of corrosion and rusting due to corona activity; redesign of HV hardware to minimise corona noise complaints; identification of sites of lightning or RFI emission; assessment of problem bus structure (one application alone reportedly saving the Australian asset owner some $5000 and an otherwise unwarranted outage); confirmation of brand-specific equipment insulator stress gradient issues on switchgear, transformers, or other such plant; managing insulator washing or silicone coating programmes; identifying and

Above: A Corona Camera Survey in Progress qualifying sources of random tripping; being a vital tool in the management of known issues or mitigation measures being trialled; the signoff of new-build substation plant as a formal part of the contractual handover; and the provision of asset managment data to prepare capital replacement or insulator upgrade programmes. A technical paper on the technology, prepared especially for the Australasian Industry, may be requested via www.lordconsulting.com or requested via calling 1800128000. Written for the asset manager, this has been widely acclaimed for its contribution to the effective implementation of

corona cameras. Whilst comparatively new tools, corona cameras are proving worthy of the trust and confidence placed in them. The cameras are delivering, in a cost-effective manner, sound engineering data to manage matters of insulator design, installation, deterioration, environmental impact, and replacement scheduling. That the technology is being taken up with enthusiasm and confidence in Australasia illustrates the value being offered by such camera technology as a major tool in modern insulator management practice.

CALISTO your choice of monitored gasses! NEW Choice of 1, 2, 5 or 9 gases! UÊEarliest, reliable, fault Detection UÊNEW Diagnostic models [C5, C9] UÊDetection to Diagnostic swap in 4 hrs! UÊAll comms. protocols incl. IEC61850 UÊ‘Trailer-based’ model [‘live’ hook-up] UÊBuilt for Australasian conditions

Morgan Schaffer....setting the standard in Transformer Monitoring! www.lordpowerequipment.com.au | 1800 128 000 Australian Power & Energy News - Page 15

RECRUITMENT & APPRENTICE INTAKE NEWS

New graduates give energy boost to local network T

HE local electricity network has just received an energy boost with about 150 Ausgrid apprentices gaining their trade and entering the qualified workforce.

They are now nationally qualified tradespeople working on the electricity network throughout Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter Valley. Ausgrid Learning and Development Manager Tom Emeleus said the workers would play key roles in delivering Ausgrid”s infrastructure program. “These workers will join Ausgrid’s 24-hour response team, building and maintaining the electricity network and responding to any power interruptions,” Mr Emeleus said. “Coming into the summer storm season, these crews will be working safely through the heat and the rain to provide our customers with an essential service. “This next generation of workers has spent the past four years learning from the best electrical tradespeople and trainers in the country and they are ready to use their training and specialised skills within the community.” The graduating class of 2011 includes: • 69 electrical mechanics and fitter machinists • 61 line workers • 15 cable jointers • 3 motor mechanics Ausgrid apprentices experience working on a range of projects from major power line replacements, installing smart grid technologies to building substations. They now have the opportunity to be part

of the team delivering the largest energy infrastructure program in Australia, building a smarter, more efficient electricity network.

Lend Lease increases investment in power industry apprentices

OURTEEN power industry apprentices commenced induction with Lend Lease’s infrastructure services business in Melbourne recently, representing a significant expansion of the company’s power industry apprenticeship program. Managing Director of the infrastructure services business, David Marchant, says investing in new tradespeople is important to the ongoing success of Lend Lease’s power business. “Over recent months, we have been speaking with clients in Victoria about their pipeline of work, which includes significant maintenance and network expansion tasks,” said Mr Marchant. “This large intake of apprentices will help Lend Lease meet the continuing growth in

Page 16 - Australian Power & Energy News

demand from our clients over the coming years. “Investing in training new apprentices is particularly critical in the Australian power industry, where there is a growing shortfall of skilled tradespeople.” The 2012 intake of apprentices will be mentored by experienced personnel based at the Richmond, Ferntree Gully, Geelong, Ardeer and Port Melbourne power depots of Lend Lease’s infrastructure services business. The four year program will see 10 apprentices qualify as line workers, two as meter technicians and two as electrical fitters. The 14 apprentices being inducted will join the 25 apprentices currently undertaking training in the power business.

“These workers can be proud of completing their trade and look forward to the start of their careers,” Mr Emeleus said.

Ausgrid apprentices are trained at specially designed training centres in Silverwater, Wallsend and Muswellbrook.

ActewAGL welcomes new apprentices

ctewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello has welcomed five new apprentices into ActewAGL’s apprenticeship program.

The apprentices will train as Line Workers and Electrical Fitters across four years of combined on-the-job training and studying at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT). ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello said, “Training skilled electrical and line workers is a critical component of keeping our electricity network as one of the most reliable in the country. “As one of the largest employers in the ACT region, ActewAGL has a long history extending over 90 years to when the construction of Canberra first began. Over the last 50 years, more than 400 apprentices have successfully completed their apprenticeships with ActewAGL and its predecessors, which demonstrates our commitment to providing careers and training for our local community.” Four of the five new apprentices are existing ActewAGL employees, including female apprentice Rhiarn Evans, who gained her apprenticeship after working for the organisation as a Vegetation Inspector. Electrical Fitter apprentice Rhiarn Evans said, “I was originally interested in the apprenticeship in 2010 and was offered the position of Vegetation Inspector in January 2011. The last year has given me a great base of experience and I’m excited to be starting my full apprenticeship with ActewAGL this year. “I like this career path because I can see how it helps the community, the work that I do really does make a difference for people. Being female in a male-dominated field can be intimidating but the guys have always been welcoming.” For more information about careers at ActewAGL visit actewagl.com.au/careers

Above: ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello welcomes the new apprentices. Image courtesy of ActewAGL

Electricity industry provides wealth of opportunity

OMPLETING an electrical apprenticeship was never something Kelly James had considered.

But when the opportunity presented, he realised it was too good to pass up. More than 17 years on, Kelly remains with the same employer, and since gaining his trade, has continued to develop new skills and advance his career. His initial break came through a four year apprenticeship as an electrical fitter mechanic with NORQEB, a predecessor of electricity provider Ergon Energy. “It was a fairly big company in those days and it’s much bigger now,” Kelly says. He initially joined the company through a program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. “There weren’t initially many Indigenous employees in the business,” he says “As well as my apprenticeship, I was asked to help promote Indigenous opportunities. It’s been very good for me.” “We have a lot more Indigenous employees coming through now. There’s a lot of encouragement,” Kelly says. As an Indigenous role model within Ergon Energy, Kelly has supported colleagues as a buddy and mentor.

“You need to knuckle down and do the hard work and stick at it,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to take the opportunities when they’re offered. I’ve been able to get out and promote the company and I’ve been happy to go and do it. I can promote myself as well as the opportunities for other people.” Through representing Ergon Energy at career fairs, he’s noticed people can sometimes overlook the electricity industry. “I think sometime people think it looks scary. We have very good safety procedures and a very strong focus on safety.” “Another great thing about Ergon Energy is that there are so many places it can take you. There aren’t many workplaces where you can do so many different jobs and stay in the same business.” Born on Palm Island, Kelly completed his primary schooling in Bowen and attended high school in Townsville before starting his apprenticeship. He’s worked across a range of teams in Ergon Energy, most recently in the Operations Control Centre where, as a network operations officer, he’s involved in monitoring and controlling the electricity network. “We provide assistance to field crews and coordinate outages. We send crews out to loss of supply and to investigate faults that customers call our National Contact Centre about.”

“If our Indigenous apprentices or other employees have any problems or need to talk to someone they can come and have a chat. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone from the same background or culture.”

Kelly enjoys working a nine-day fortnight saying it gives extra time to spend with his wife Lisa, and two daughters.

Kelly’s advice to others of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, who are looking for a rewarding career, is to seize the opportunities that are available.

If you’re interested in an opportunity with Ergon Energy, contact Ergon Energy Careers on 1800 656 810, or email recruitment@ergon.com.au.

“It’s very flexible and we can achieve a good balance,” Kelly says.

Above: Kelly James

We’re looking for the brightest minds in energy At Ergon Energy our ongoing commitment is to not only meet our capital works program but deliver world class, reliable energy to the communities

Electricity Distribution

we support and deliver continued growth and development in the regions where we work and live. As an employee at Ergon Energy you can enjoy a satisfying career and a rewarding lifestyle, with opportunities for career advancement, the latest technology and equipment, work towards developing energy supply for the future and a lifestyle balance, with the freedom to live it. We are seeking enthusiastic, qualiﬁed and motivated people to join our team, across regional Queensland in a number of disciplines including:

Renewable Energy

• Engineering: Management, Electrical, Civil, Asset Management • Technical Professionals: Design, Planning, Secondary Systems, Communications, Testing, Network Protection, Maintenance • Electrical Tradespersons: Work Group Leaders, Electrical Fitter Mechanics, Linespersons and Live Line Linespersons • Professionals: Management, Project Management, Analysts, Trading • Apprentices & Technical Trainees

If you have what it takes to tackle the challenges of power generation and

Lifestyle

supply, visit ergon.com.au today to learn more about us and our career opportunities; we could be the future you’re looking for!

BlazeQ020455

• Graduates: Engineering

ergon.com.au Australian Power & Energy News - Page 17

Partner for Woolnorth wind farms announced

Woolnorth wind farms

YDRO TASMANIArecently announced it will be partnering with a leading Chinese renewable energy investment business in the ownership, management and operation of its Woolnorth wind farms. Guohua Energy Investment Co. Ltd (Guohua) has been selected as the preferred partner to take a 75 per cent share in Hydro Tasmania’s wind farms in north-west Tasmania. Hydro Tasmania retains the remaining 25 per cent share. Guohua has over $3.5 billion of wind assets and $2.6 billion of other assets under management with a portfolio of more than 20 wind farms across China totalling more than 3000MW, with a further 1500MW currently under construction. Guohua is a subsidiary of Shenhua Group Corporation Ltd. It will pay $88.6 million for the share in the two wind farms. This values the two wind farms at Woolnorth at $282 million. The transaction will see $30 million in tax returned to the State of Tasmania from the sale process. Hydro Tasmania chairman Dr David Crean described the transaction as an outstanding result for the State. It will remove $208 million of debt from Hydro Tasmania’s balance sheet, reducing the total debt figure to just over $735 million. “This will greatly facilitate the financing of the Musselroe wind farm project which began construction this month,” Dr Crean said. “The transaction crowns a profitable chapter in Hydro Tasmania’s renewable energy development history. The conclusion of the agreement represents a net cash benefit of over $30 million on Hydro Tasmania’s overall investment in wind farms while it still retains a significant 25 per cent equity stake in Woolnorth. “I joined Hydro Tasmania at the opening of Bluff Point wind farm in 2004 and have seen our wind development model evolve to its current highly efficient and effective form. Our involvement in wind has shown it to add considerable value through augmenting Hydro Tasmania’s generation portfolio. It also complements perfectly our hydro capability, providing the renewable energy certificates to meet our retail obligations and generates profit and value for our shareholders, the people of Tasmania.” Financial close on the transaction is targeted for February 2012. Following this there will be a six-month exclusivity period for Hydro Tasmania to negotiate Guohua’s involvement in the Musselroe project. Guohua is well known to Hydro Tasmania, having worked in partnership with the former Roaring 40s joint venture in the construction and operation of around 300MW of wind projects in China from 2006-09.

Bluff Point (65MW) 37 turbine wind farm, commissioned in 2004, located approximately 47km west of Smithton Studland Bay (75MW) Commissioned in 2007, the 25 turbines are located on a site seven kilometres south of Bluff Point wind farm. Both formerly owned by Roaring 40s in a 50-50 joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and China Light and Power.

Musselroe Greenfield wind farm development. Construction has begun on the 168MW project, which is expected to be completed and operational by July 2013.

Supporting information

Above: Gao Hui, Vice General Engineer, Guohua Energy Investment Co Ltd with Roy Adair, CEO, Hydro Tasmania Hydro Tasmania CEO Roy Adair welcomed the signing of a binding agreement between the two parties and described Guohua as a firstclass strategic partner for Hydro Tasmania and the state. “Guohua is one of the world’s largest wind developers and brings a wealth of expertise in the renewable energy sector and a strong interest in working with us on other renewable energy projects,” he said. “We look forward to the prospect of working with Guohua on Woolnorth, Musselroe and future projects.” Hydro Tasmania and Guohua are also seeking to develop a Strategic Co-operation Agreement. The aim is to foster closer co-operation between the organisations as they seek to develop other clean energy projects in the Australian and international renewable energy markets and leverage their respective strengths. Guohua Chairman Mr Jianning Xie said Guohua is pleased to have been selected as Hydro Tasmania’s partner. “Woolnorth represents our first investment in the renewable energy sector in Australia in line with our overseas strategy. We are very happy to work with Hydro Tasmania again after the partnership with the former Roaring 40s,” Mr Xie said. “We believe our businesses and Hydro Tasmania have complementary advantages and

the strategic co-operation between us will create significant long-term value. We are therefore looking forward to evaluating the Musselroe wind farm early in the new year and working with Hydro Tasmania on other projects. “We see such strong potential from this partnership with Hydro Tasmania that Guohua is planning to locate its Australian renewable energy headquarters in Hobart.” Guohua was selected following an extensive competitive bidding process first announced on 5 September 2011 as part of Hydro Tasmania’s progression to the next stage of its wind development model. This followed the successful disaggregation of the Roaring 40s joint venture in June 2011. The successful bid has been approved by Hydro Tasmania’s shareholder Ministers and final approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board is imminent. Hydro Tasmania is committed to building its wind portfolio to complement its hydro generation assets and its retail business. It was assisted in the divestment process by ANZ Project Advisory and Guohua was advised by Deutsche Bank. Hydro Tasmania has appointed National Australia Bank as the exclusive mandated arranger, underwriter and syndicator of the debt facilities for the wind farms.

New Grasmere Wind Farm website

look at the Grasmere Wind Farm doesn’t necessarily need to include a trip to the Albany coast in south-west WA - you can now “visit” from the comfort of your own home. Verve Energy is building Grasmere, a $40 million an extension to the Albany Wind Farm and is scheduled to be completed and producing clean energy by early 2012. Although nothing quite beats being close to the magnificent turbines, the new Grasmere website is the place to go to read about, and see, the site. The website at www.grasmerewindfarm.com.au features a webcam to view Grasmere’s six turbines, as well as the Albany Wind Farm, the magnificent coastline and the City of Albany. And, you can take control of the camera. About 200,000 people visit the wind farm annually and the web ’visits” are increasing daily. “We expect this innovation will be very popular and help promote Verve Energy’s reputation as a responsible generator,” says Daniel Thompson, Manager Sustainable Development. Another exciting addition to the wind farm will be a visual display screen which will be installed in the visitors’ shelter in the car park. It will show real time wind speed and direction, how many kilowatts each turbine is producing, how many houses are being powered and CO2 savings. This will be in place late this year. “It will help educate visitors about wind farms and add to the visitor experience in what is one of our most popular generation facilities,” Daniel said. The Grasmere 2.3MW Enercon turbines are a similar size to Verve Energy’s existing Albany Wind Farm turbines but are the latest design and each will generate 30% more power. The Albany Wind Farm turbines are 1.8MW. The wind farms together will have the capacity to produce 35.4MW of clean, inexhaustible renewable electricity. At times, these wind farms will produce 100% of Albany’s electricity and, on average will produce around 80% of Albany’s annual electricity needs. Verve Energy is building the Grasmere turbines on the coast using the same pattern and spacing as the Albany Wind Farm and to the same high environmental and social standards.

Page 18 - Australian Power & Energy News

Background information

Hydro Tasmania • Australia’s leading clean energy business and the nation’s largest water manager with a workforce of 914 people • $5.5 billion worth of assets with a generating capacity of 2421 MW. Operating 30 hydro-electric power stations (including 3 mini-hydro stations) in an integrated system with more than 50 large dams • Value of power system realised through trading electricity and energy products in the National Electricity Market • Momentum - Victorian-based electricity retail business • Entura - professional services business with 350 employees working out of offices in Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and New Delhi, India • Proud history of almost 100 years in power engineering and dam construction • Leader in development and application of sustainability principles for the international renewable energy industry Guohua Energy Investment Co Ltd • Headquartered in Beijing, China • Leading renewable energy investment company in the People’s Republic of China with around $A3.5billion of wind power assets plus $2.6 billion of other assets under management; employs around 2000 people • Commenced operation of its first wind farm in 2003 and has since developed a portfolio of more than 20 wind farms across China with more than 3000MW in operation and a further 1500 currently under construction • 11th largest wind developer globally • Founded in 1998 by its 100% shareholder Shenhua Group Corporation Limited, a state-owned enterprise and the world’s largest coal business

WA Renewables

HE Midwest region in Western Australia will be home for two major renewable energy projects – a 55MW wind farm and a 10MW solar farm. The Mumbida wind farm will be built about 50kms south of the Midwest city of Geraldton (400km north of Perth). The Greenough River Solar Farm will be located about 30km inland from the Mumbida wind farm. To be ready by mid 2012, it will be the biggest utility scale solar PV facility in Australia. The Mumbida wind farm is a joint venture between WA generator Verve Energy and Macquarie Capital and cost about $150 million. A consortium of Leighton Contractors and General Electric Wind Energy will construct the wind farm and supply the 22 turbines. The Greenough River Solar Farm is a joint venture between Verve Energy and GE Energy Financial Services. Leading US solar PV company First Solar will supply the 150,000 innovative thin-film PV modules and provide engineering, procurement and construction services. The solar farm will cover about 80 hectares of pasture land. The WA Government is providing $20 million including $10 million from the WA Royalties for Regions program to the $50 million solar farm project. First Solar has partnered with local contractor WBHO-Carr to provide site preparation services, underground electrical services and civil works. The WA Water Corporation which is building the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant has committed to purchase 100 percent of the output of the wind farm and solar farm. Both projects will be connected to the South West Interconnected System at Verve Energy’s Mungarra facility.

Work started on $400m Musselroe wind farm C

ONSTRUCTION of the 168 Megawatt (MW) Musselroe wind farm in north east Tasmania began in December last year. The Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings announced that Hydro Tasmania had finalised major contracts enabling the $400 million project to proceed. This included the supply and installation by Danish company Vestas of 56 V90 turbines, each having a generating capacity of 3MW.

New Study on Wind Generation in South Australia

Above: ElectraNet’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ian Stirling

Above: West side of Little Musselroe River Ms Giddings made the announcement at the Launceston factory of Tasmanian steel fabrication and construction company Haywards, who will manufacture the tower sections of the turbines for Vestas. Hydro Tasmania expects more than 200 people will be directly working on the project during the 18-month construction phase, with approximately 130 of these based on site or in accommodation at Gladstone during construction. Hydro Tasmania Chairman Dr David Crean said the business was very pleased to see work commence on a project that has been in the planning stages for many years. “Today marks formal commencement of a project that both Hydro Tasmania and the local community in particular have wanted to see built for a long time,” Dr Crean said. “A number of factors have finally come together to enable the commercial construction of Musselroe to proceed. Most notably are the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme and the pricing of carbon emissions. “We look forward to work starting and being an integral part of the local community both during construction and when the wind farm is operational. “This is a top class project at a top class wind site that when completed will continue to build the reputation of both the State and Hydro Tasmania as leaders in renewable energy development.” Dr Crean said the finalisation of contracts represented the culmination of a lot of work from a dedicated team. “Now that we have all these elements in place, the construction team can begin to mobilise on the ground and see this exciting project come to life,” he said. The first stage of the project will involve construction of the 50km transmission line connecting the development at Cape Portland with the network at Derby starting later this

month. At the same time there will be further civil works to create roads and pole foundations in addition to the civil works associated with the project undertaken during 2009. Establishment of site offices at Cape Portland began in January 2012, and it is expected the first foundations for wind turbines will be poured in first half of 2012. The construction schedule aims to have the tower sections delivered to the site in late 2012, and the turbines arriving from Europe and being lifted into position starting in early 2013. The wind farm is expected to be completed and operating by July 2013. Once operational, the wind farm will meet the electricity needs of up to 50,000 homes, equivalent to the residential power needs of the people of Burnie and Devonport. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 450,000 tonnes each year. The project is a key part of Hydro Tasmania’s wind development strategy following the end of the Roaring 40s joint venture earlier in the year. It will be initially funded on Hydro Tasmania’s balance sheet. Funds released from the pending completion of the Woolnorth wind farm divestment process announced in September will also contribute toward the project. Hydro Tasmania currently operates the 140MW Bluff Point and Studland Bay wind farms (collectively known as Woolnorth) in north-west Tasmania. The new financial partner for Woolnorth will have the opportunity to be a partner in the Musselroe project. The process to divest up to 75 per cent of Woolnorth is expected to be completed by the end of the month. In September, Hydro Tasmania announced a profit before fair value of $100 million for 201011 as a result of higher rainfall and increased revenue from its mainland operations. This will see returns to the Tasmanian Government in 2011-12 totalling around $118 million, including a dividend of $49 million.

Project summary • The Musselroe Wind Farm site is located in the Dorset Municipality 20km north of the small township of Gladstone. The site at Cape Portland is an agricultural property encompassing some 5500 hectares of coastal plains, lagoons and dune systems. • The $400 million wind farm will consist of 56 Vestas V90 turbines, each having a generating capacity of 3 MW. • The project has already received environmental and planning approval from Commonwealth, state and local authorities. Significant work on ground under way with broad range of local stakeholders. • Expected to employ more than 200 people during the 18-month construction phase. Approximately 130 to be based on site or in accommodation at Gladstone. • Once operational, the wind farm will meet the electricity needs of up to 50,000 homes, equivalent to the residential power needs of the people of Burnie and Devonport. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 450,000 tonnes each year.

Expected project timeline December 2011 Start on construction of the 50km transmission line connecting the development at Cape Portland with the network at Derby Civil works create roads and pole foundations in addition to those associated with the project undertaken during 2009.

January 2012 Establishment of site offices at Cape Portland

First half 2012 Pouring of first foundations for wind turbines

Late 2012 Tower sections delivered to the site in late 2012

Early 2013 Turbines arrive from Euro and lifted into position

July 2013 Construction completed and wind farm operational

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 highquality wind resources and available transmission network capability (eg. the Mid North region of South Australia). The modelling includes a minus five per cent by 2020 carbon price trajectory (similar to the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future policy proposal) and was found to be relatively robust to changes in the level of the carbon price and variations in peak demand. “ElectraNet delivers reliable and valuefor-money electricity transmission services to support a sustainable and prosperous South Australian community – and since 2004 we have led the nation in supporting renewable energy developments, connecting thirteen wind farm generators to South Australia’s high-voltage transmission network,’ said ElectraNet’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ian Stirling.” The capacity of commercially profitable wind would increase further under a high-energy growth scenario (including developments such as the Olympic Dam expansion project or other mining loads), with up to 1400MW of additional wind capacity (approximately 2600MW in total) likely to be profitable. The study reveals that the most significant other factor that would act to significantly increase the potential for additional profitable wind generation in South Australia is increased interconnection capacity between South Australia and Victoria. Additional retirement of coal-fired generation and energy storage technologies in South Australia would also increase the potential for more wind generation. ElectraNet is currently working with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to apply the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) to a proposed 200MW upgrade of the Heywood Interconnector between South Australia and Victoria (a 40% increase in transfer capacity, which will provide additional support for South Australia at times of peak demand and also support higher levels of generation development in South Australia). A RIT-T Project Specification Consultation Report was expected to be published during November 2011 for comment by market participants and interested parties, and will be made available on ElectraNet’s website. Australian Power & Energy News - Page 19

380mm Lined Sheave A Powerhowse of a Product P

OWERHOWSE ELECTRIC is a small New Zealand company with 50 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the heavy electrical industry. We design and manufacture heavy electrical cable hauling products for both sales and hire.

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One of these products is our 380mm lined sheave, designed to be used with most types of conductors, the lining prevents cross metal contamination whilst protecting the conductor and the roller.

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Page 20 - Australian Power & Energy News