Mt Keith - Upgrade of power station capability for 33kV supply to new Cliffs Nickel Underground Project
Future Power WA sent project management and Installation crews to carry out the 33kV power line installation, Mt Keith West Australia for the Cliffs Nickel project, operated by BHP Billiton.
This work included the installation of 4.5km of 33kV powerline, including OPGW and associated terminations, 1km of underground 33kV cable, 1km underground optic fibre cable, pole mounted recloser and transformer installations. This project included the directional drilling and installation of conduits beneath the Mt Keith Airport.
Future Power WA arranged the Project Management and Installation of the “Upstream Upgrade”, for the Cliffs Nickel project, BHP Billiton. This project included the installation of two 11kV Circuit Breakers, 120m culverts, 1200m of 11kV High Voltage cable, and construction of the Transformer compound comprising 5m high blast walls, Installation of two 12.5MVA Transformers with On Line Tap Changes and Automatic Voltage Regulators, and commissioning of the whole system. This project was carried out within an operating Gas Fired Power Station and included continuous liaison with operator of the Power Station, Transalta, and BHP BILLITON mining operations.
Nimingarra to Goldsworthy Powerline Repairs
Future Power WA was subcontracted to RCR Power through their BHP Alliance agreement, to design and install replacement poles to 66kV Transmission Towers along the Nimingarra to Goldsworthy 66kV Transmission line, damaged during cyclonic weather conditions. The project involved an engineering assessment of the existing line, design of seven new Steel Monopoles to replace the fallen Towers, and replacement of Five Kilometres of Lynx conductor and Overhead earth wire.
The works required detailed planning and execution due to the position of the wires and towers in the failed position. The project was carried out in a remote area during the height of summer and cyclone season. The area regularly experienced temperatures of above 50oC, and two cyclones past through the area during construction. The project was completed on time and with zero incidents recorded.
