The Owen Springs plant is based on three 10.9 megawatt (MW) generator sets, each powered by a twelve-cylinder, vee-configuration 12V51/60DF engine. The generator sets will supply base load power to the local grid in their gaseous-fuel mode, that is, burning natural gas ignited by a distillate fuel ‘micro-pilot’.
Northern Territory Government-owned Power and Water Corporation's (PWC's) General Manager has said that the contract specifications were technically complex as PWC was seeking the world’s best practice in fuel efficiency and the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide per unit of electricity generated.
PWC has 360 MW of existing power generation capacity and services more than 80,000 customers.
Owen Springs’ development
Article continues below…
Stage One of the Owens Springs project, which covers the construction of the power house, control room, switchroom, administration centre, tank farm, pump house and maintenance workshop buildings, will be completed on schedule in May 2010.
Power house construction commenced in October 2009, utilising a concrete-panel design to form the exterior and interior walls. These panels were formed onsite and are characterised by their high-quality sound attenuation properties, low construction costs and fast installation. Once installed, a supporting steel framework was erected and fastened and the exterior was painted to complete the building.
The next phase, comprising the installation of mechanical and electrical systems, is now underway. Piping is already largely complete, while the installation of lube-oil and fuel-oil modules has commenced.
MAN Diesel Australia has also formed partnerships with local Australian suppliers and stakeholders as much of the equipment for the Owen Springs project must comply with Australian standards.
A project milestone
A significant milestone in the project was reached in February 2010 when the first of Owen Springs’ three generator sets was loaded onto a ship in Saint Nazaire, France.
The 276 tonne engine is scheduled to arrive in Darwin, Northern Territory in early April. It will then be transported to the site using multiple prime movers and a low loading trailer. The land journey along a carefully planned 1,500 km route is now underway.
Owen to spring into action
The first engine is scheduled for commissioning in July 2010, with the complete power station scheduled to be handed over to PWC in October 2010.
Once operational, the Owen Springs power station will be one of the highest efficiency open-cycle gas power plants in Australia.
Basket is empty.
