Conpower

The CPP Commissioning team has been instrumental in ensuring the seamless execution of the Bundey (PEC) Project.

Since the commissioning team’s involvement commenced in March 2022, their contributions have been pivotal in achieving the project’s objectives, marking a significant milestone in the energy sector. Commissioning and testing are paramount throughout any project, ensuring that every component, from protection panels to primary plant equipment such as circuit breakers and isolators, operates flawlessly. 

The work that the commissioning team does complements the engineering team, who have shaped the project’s conceptualization and design. The collaboration has been instrumental, navigating challenges such as fluctuating outage schedules and the replacement of critical components like CTs (Current Transformers) under stringent safety protocols.

An early challenge for the team was the setup of Robertstown to facilitate the integration of two Bundey lines. This required the relocation of existing infrastructure, a task that underscored the team’s technical expertise and meticulous planning. According to Frank Maloney, the manager of commissioning at CPP, this initial phase was crucial for laying the groundwork.

“In the early stages, my role primarily involved managing outage plans for key locations like Bundey, Robertstown, and Tungkillo, stepping into a pivotal position after the departure of key personnel. This responsibility extended into extensive on-site involvement throughout 2022 and into subsequent years, ensuring seamless integration and functionality of essential equipment at remote sites.”

Mr. Maloney emphasized the importance of these preparatory efforts, highlighting their role in paving the way for more targeted work on the Bundey aspect of the project in 2023. “Throughout 2022, our focus was on Robertstown. It was only in 2023 that we could shift our attention more exclusively to Bundey itself. The southern part of Robertstown, including the lines to Tungkillo, involved extensive work at substations like Cherry Gardens, and Tailem Bend, alongside ongoing efforts at Robertstown itself.” 

“Our team primarily focuses on the factory acceptance testing of the panels, a critical step before ElectraNet witnesses the panels built by CPP’s CPI team. On-site, we handle the testing and integration of primary equipment such as circuit breakers, isolators, VTs, and CTs with protection panels, ensuring each component operates seamlessly to fully activate the substation.” Mr. Maloney explained.

A significant achievement for the team was the successful energization of Bundey in December 2023, marking a pivotal moment amidst logistical and technical hurdles. Challenges persisted, including the management of exclusion zones around hazardous equipment, and adapting to unforeseen changes in outage plans overseen by AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator).

In terms of innovation, while the project did not introduce novel technologies, it capitalized on extensive expertise and meticulous planning to mitigate inherent risks associated with large-scale operations. The project’s success can be attributed to cohesive teamwork within CPP and collaborative efforts with ElectraNet, underscoring a shared commitment to excellence in managing high-risk operations.

Looking ahead, the completion of the project, including the energization of lines extending into New South Wales, remains a focal point for future milestones. Despite the complexities encountered, the Bundey (PEC) Project serves as a testament to the collective dedication and contributions of all involved at CPP. Beyond individual accolades, it is the collaborative spirit and combined efforts of the team that have driven this ambitious endeavour forward, establishing new benchmarks in the field of energy infrastructure development.

Under Mr. Maloney’s leadership, the CPP Commissioning team continues to implement rigorous processes to monitor progress and ensure adherence to project milestones. Their proactive approach has been crucial in mitigating risks and maintaining high standards throughout the project lifecycle.