Kwinana Power Station involved supplying and constructing a 360 MW combined-cycle power plant for NewGen Power in Western Australia, just south of Perth. Blitzsteel’s ability to bring civil, mechanical and electrical engineering expertise to the works meant the project was completed on time and substantially below the target budget.
The project was completed in partnership with Alstom Power in a negotiated bespoke alliance contract. Local skills were used throughout the project, with more than 300 jobs created during the construction phase.
Blitzsteel commenced civil works in October 2006, which were completed in September 2007. The team’s strong performance resulted in Blitzsteel being awarded the follow-on mechanical and electrical works, which were completed in May 2008.
Civil works included the construction of concrete foundations and the steel structure, building works, site drainage and underground pipe works. The subsequent mechanical and electrical component consisted of gas and steam combine cycle turbines, a condenser, water treatment, balance of plant and turnkey packages.
The site was very compact, with a phased handover of 11 separate areas for follow-on works. Therefore, the planning and sequencing of the works was key to the project’s success.
Working as an integrated team, Blitzsteel and Alstom delivered the project more efficiently. By sharing overheads and technical expertise, the combined team was able to rectify and issues quickly and avoid the duplication of work.
As a combined-cycle facility, the NewGen plant produces electricity from both gas and steam. The plant uses the steam produced from the waste heat in the exhaust of the gas turbine to run a steam turbine. This means more power can be produced using less fuel, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The facility is now Western Australia’s most modern and efficient base-load power station, providing electricity to the state’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS). It is also one of the most efficient power stations in the country, and is helping Western Australians reduce their carbon footprint.
PROJECT FACTS
COMPLETED ON TIME AND SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW THE TARGET BUDGET
BLITZSTEEL WON THE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACT AFTER A STRONG CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCE
MORE THAN 300 JOBS CREATED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
NOW ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT POWER STATIONS IN AUSTRALIA
