Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Wärtsilä’s energy business is leading the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future and has over 70 GW of installed power plant capacity in 177 countries around the world.
Primero was engaged by Wärtsilä to execute the design of the site diesel, UREA and lube-oil storage tanks, as well as all aspects of onsite construction including earthworks, piling, civil, structural, mechanical, tanks, piping, electrical and instrumentation works and site management at the Barker Inlet Power Station (BIPS).
Background
The Barker Inlet Power Station is a 211MW smart power generation plant, comprising of 12 Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines. The new plant will provide the fast-starting capability required to respond to fluctuations that are inherent to renewable power generation. Built on the existing Torrens Island Power Station site, the purpose of the facility is to replace two of the four Torrens A turbines that are now over 50 years old. Development of the power plant is essential to ensure ongoing security of supply to the South Australian region.
Primero’s scope of work included the design of the site diesel, UREA, lube-oil storage tanks, as well as the construction of the earthworks, piling, civil, structural, mechanical, tanks, piping, electrical and instrumentation works. Primero has provided design support as required and has committed to providing commissioning support.
Rapid Response
Wärtsilä’s 12 reciprocating engines generate 18 MW each from either gas or liquid fuel and are capable of reaching full operating capacity within five minutes from start-up, giving AGL greater flexibility to supply the market when renewables cannot meet peak demand, either planned or unplanned – improving energy security in South Australia.
“The flexibility of the Wärtsilä solution is a key enabler for utilities to manage large amounts of solar and wind energy being introduced into the power system. It provides the reliability of supply through its fast-starting and rapid response capability, and it is both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. We congratulate AGL on its commitment to a sustainable electricity supply, and we are delighted to be contributing to the success of this vision,” – Javier Cavada, President, Wärtsilä Energy Solutions.
Sustainable Generation
Environmentally, the new power plant will be 28% more fuel-efficient than the existing Torrens A turbines and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by approximately 35-50%. The project is expected to reduce liquid fuel storage on Torrens Island from 16,000t to 1,500t, conserve water consumption and reduce the discharge of wastewater into the surrounding environment.
Primed for Safety
Visible field leadership at BIPs remains an uncompromised priority for Managers and Employees alike. Safety tools such as the 20 / 20 rule for leaders (20 minutes before and after each break will be spent in the field) and 60 / 40 / 20 initiative for construction trades (Every 60 minutes take 40 seconds to look 20 feet around you) have been successfully introduced.