Entura supports Australian Energy Mission to Thailand and Vietnam
Entura proudly supported the recent Australian Energy Mission to Thailand and Vietnam, which took place in March.
Led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, the mission aimed to share Australia’s expertise and capabilities in renewable energy, energy storage solutions and new technologies for energy efficiency with partners in Thailand and Vietnam.
Entura was among the renewable energy organisations invited to join the delegation, which travelled to Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There were a number of networking opportunities and forums held over the week-long program, with our Director of Strategy, Sales and Commercial, Dr Amanda Ashworth, attending. (or which our Director … attended)
“It was an honour to be part of this important Energy Mission and be able to share our expertise with key local stakeholders,” said Dr Ashworth. “Vietnam and Thailand are both making strong progress towards their renewable energy targets and playing active roles in the global energy transition.”
Dr Ashworth took part in panel discussions in both countries to address their specific goals and current position in the clean energy landscape. In Bangkok, she drew on Entura’s portfolio of off-grid hybrid renewable projects in both the Pacific and Australian mining sector to provide insights into integration and hybrid technologies.
“Thailand has experienced strong growth in its energy sector over the past 15 years, and has strong national infrastructure,” Dr Ashworth said. “The country is looking to optimise its existing facilities and increase its hybrid renewable energy generation, which Entura is well placed to support.”
In Hanoi, she joined a forum conversation on the role of hydropower and pumped hydro storage in the energy transition generation mix and opportunities for optimisation of existing hydropower combined with potential new developments, grounded in Entura’s long-standing technical hydropower experience.
“Australia and Vietnam have similar net zero timeframes and there are synergies between the commitments of our two countries,” she said. “With Entura’s extensive experience in the Australian renewables sector, we are able to make informed recommendations for optimisations that can be implemented into Vietnam’s existing energy system to support these goals.”
“This visit was also very special as it follows the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Australia’s diplomatic relationship. It was a privilege to meet and engage with local stakeholders and we look forward to strengthening this relationship moving forward.”
Entura proudly supporting annual Energy and Mines Australia Summit in Perth
Entura is proud to support the 7th annual Energy and Mines Australia Summit, hosting a panel discussion at this important event focused on the road to net zero mining.
Taking place from June 14-5 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, the Summit will bring together more than 500 mining and decarbonisation experts. Across two days, they will discuss the critical topics which miners have identified as pivotal to this stage of the decarbonisation transition, including shifting to fully decarbonised power systems and all-electric mining.
Entura’s Specialist in Hybrid Energy Solutions, Ray Massie, will host a breakfast briefing on the ‘Operational Implications of Renewables and Storage for Mines’. Greg Koppens, Entura’s Specialist Engineer, Hybrid Renewable Systems, will also be participating in the panel, which will provide critical insight on key topics for miners managing the complicated transition to fully decarbonised power systems.
The Summit will address key questions for major and mid-tier miners currently identifying their pathways to 2030 and 2050 climate targets, including:
- How can mines grow their assets and portfolios while reducing their carbon footprints?
- What is needed to accelerate the transition to fully decarbonised power systems for mines?
- How does the all-electric mine move from concept to reality in line with net-zero targets?
- How are diesel displacement options for heavy haulage trucks progressing?
Enter “entura10” on the registration page to receive a 10% discount on registration for this event.
Click here for full event details.
Entura shares training insights at 2023 International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering
Entura’s Director of Strategy, Sales and Commercial, Dr Amanda Ashworth, recently took part in the 2023 International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME23).
Amanda was one of many speakers and presenters at the 2-day event, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD). Her presentation focused on certified dam safety inspector training, and a specific collaboration between Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI), MYCOLD and Malaysia’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN).
“Entura’s dedicated training arm ECEWI has worked closely with MYCOLD and UNITEN to deliver a Certified Dam Safety Inspector course,” said Dr Ashworth. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, restricted travel meant that we had to find remote training options and overcome challenges to deliver the program.”
“We are proud to say that this has successfully resulted in the first batch of 29 participants receiving their certifications, which I was fortunate enough to be present for at this year’s ICDSME.”
The collaborative training program was delivered in three phases. The first involved online classes where theory on dam safety principles such as surveillance, inspection, monitoring and reporting was taught to participants by ECEWI’s key trainers in Australia. This was followed by practical site visits to two Malaysian dams, Tembat Dam and Kenyir Dam, with local supervisors. Lastly, students undertook examinations and were rewarded by successfully completing their Certified Dam Safety Inspector training.
“At Entura, we are passionate about knowledge sharing and capability building with our industry partners, and this training is representative of that. We’re looking forward to bringing through more batches of certified dam safety inspectors and delivering executive management training in the future,” said Dr Ashworth.
“Building people’s capability in engineering is required to strengthen economies, governments and individuals, and is one of the most critical elements in developing the right capacity to implement Malaysia’s dam safety guidelines and its anticipated regulatory laws.”
ECEWI has been delivering training programs and initiatives to clients and partners throughout Australia and Asia over the last decade. The institute has enjoyed close relationships with MYCOLD, UNITEN, Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology, Sarawak Energy Berhad and others. To find out more about ECEWI and training options available, head to our website.
Entura’s Tammy Chu promotes hydropower and clean energy in India and Brazil
Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, has shared Entura’s insights into the global renewable energy transition as part of the recent Australian Senior Business Delegation to India, led by Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia.
At the CEO Forum held during the visit, Ms Chu spoke about the need across Australia and India to build skills and capability in the renewable energy sector.
She also proposed the idea of a joint renewable energy council between the two nations, which was well received and led to an agreement that the concept will be further explored during 2023.
Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“With India committed to Net Zero by 2070 and with 60% of its current energy production coming from coal, there is a huge decarbonisation move underway, with plans for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030,” said Ms Chu.
“Lowering emissions is a global challenge that can’t be solved without international collaboration,” she said.
“Forums such as this delegation to India bring leaders together to share knowledge, inspire each other, and affirm our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”
“Entura is excited by the many opportunities through which Australia can lend support to India’s renewable transition. Our teams are already working on a number of pumped hydro storage projects in Australia, and are eager to help bring about more pumped hydro projects in India, solving the grid challenges of firming wind and solar power through long-duration storage and rapid response.”
“Through Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI), we are supporting renewable energy skills development and capacity building throughout the Indo-Pacific. Developing a skilled workforce, ready to take up the jobs of the future, is a make-or-break factor for the clean energy transition.”
The Australian trade delegation, with Tammy Chu on the far right.
Ms Chu is the Vice-President of the International Hydropower Association. In that capacity, she recently participated in Latin American and Caribbean Roundtable on Sustainable Hydropower in Brazil.
“I was interested to learn of the focus in Brazil on hydropower refurbishment and upgrades, with policy and finance facilities to increase existing capacity,” she said.
“It’s easy to be drawn to new projects, but satisfying to reflect on the very long, productive lives that existing hydropower assets can have with the right stewardship.”
“Based in Tasmania, we see this combination of long-term value and new potential every day in our state’s hydropower system. For example, our teams are hard at work helping to breathe new life and flexibility into the aging Tarraleah hydropower scheme so that it can make an even bigger contribution to Australia’s National Electricity Market.”
Entura supports a bright future for Tasmanian hydropower icon
The Tarraleah hydropower scheme has generated clean energy for Tasmania for more than 80 years. Entura is supporting our parent company, Hydro Tasmania, with the first stage of activity to reimagine an exciting future for the scheme.
Hydro Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Ian Brooksbank said that Tarraleah is an incredible piece of engineering and an icon of the Central Highlands.
“Our vision for Tarraleah is to redevelop the scheme to deliver the benefits that the future energy market will need and generate up to 250 jobs during peak construction.
“The redevelopment would boost capacity, better support the growth of wind and solar through faster, more flexible operation and generate around 30 per cent more energy from the same water.”
Specialist renewable energy and water consultants from Entura are a key part of delivering construction works at Lake King William and Mossy Marsh Dam that support a potential new scheme and station in the future.
On site at Lake King William to see progress first hand, Mr Brooksbank said that it was fantastic to see work well underway for progressing the vision for Tarraleah into action.
“The network of canals that have fed water from Lake King William to the station for decades will need to be replaced in future.
“What is happening now are important upgrade works to construct a brand new water intake and connecting tunnel to meet up with a future new water conveyance. Improvements to the dam at Mossy Marsh are largely completed and upgrading the local access road is also underway.
“There’s almost 100 full-time equivalent roles working on these upgrades across Hydro Tasmania and Entura and our contractors – that’s great news for the region and there’s more to come as we progress our plans.”
Well-known Tasmanian civil construction company Hazell Bros was awarded the contracts for the first tranche of upgrade works projects.
These works, together with activity to assess the viability of building a brand new scheme and power station, represents a $123 million investment towards a clean energy future, with up to $65 million of that committed by the Australian Government.
Hydro Tasmania has also started environmental approvals through the Federal Government, a vital part of the redevelopment assessment, allowing the public to comment on Tarraleah’s proposed future.
“Getting the views of the local community on Tarraleah’s future is important. We will continue to provide opportunities to talk directly with our team about what is ahead,” he said.
L-R: Hazell Bros Executive General Manager, Construction – Tasmania, Jesse Brunskill; Minister for Energy and Renewables, Guy Barnett; Entura Managing Director, Tammy Chu; and Hydro Tasmania CEO, Ian Brooksbank
Background
Tasmania has abundant, low-cost wind resources and hydropower potential, which can be unlocked through the new 1500 MW Marinus Link interconnector.
Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation vision is to maximise Tasmania’s existing hydropower capacity and add pumped hydro.
The first 750 MW Marinus Link cable will unlock flexibility in the existing hydropower system to provide the on-demand back-up needed. It also opens up potential for capacity upgrades in Hydro Tasmania’s assets including the Tarraleah scheme and the West Coast stations.
A Federal Government funding commitment of up to $65 million for Tarraleah, together with $58 million in investment from Hydro Tasmania, is supporting work progressing on a commercial assessment of redeveloping Tarraleah and delivering upgrade works that position the scheme well for the future, regardless of the outcome of the commercial decision.
Hydro Tasmania’s feasibility study showed the Tarraleah scheme could be redeveloped to increase capacity and flexibility – all valuable requirements in a future electricity market.
This is a great example of repurposing existing hydropower assets to better align to future market opportunities and to deliver more value to Tasmania from the same water resource.
The second Marinus Link cable creates the opportunity to develop a new pumped hydro scheme – a 750 MW, 20-hour, cost-competitive, long-duration storage opportunity at Lake Cethana.
With more interconnection, new wind projects and increased hydropower capacity, Tasmania will produce more than enough renewable energy to power Tasmanian homes, businesses, and industries plus it can export the extra power to support a clean energy future for Australia.
Benefits will flow back to Tasmania through access to affordable power, economic investment, creation of much needed jobs, attraction of new business, and increased profitability for Hydro Tasmania which brings revenue to the state government to support vital infrastructure and services.
Entura expanding with exciting leadership opportunities
Entura is growing, and with that comes a number of exciting new leadership opportunities for senior technical specialists.
With significant experience in dams, hydropower, hybrid renewable systems, solar, wind, battery energy storage and more, our services are in great demand. We have been instrumental to the success of a number of landmark projects, and we are currently involved in ground-breaking work such as Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation, the redevelopment of Antarctica New Zealand’s Scott Base research facility, Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage Project, the Tonga Renewable Energy Project, and other work in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
In response to the sector’s rapid growth, Entura has created six new roles for experienced industry professionals to help us continue to empower people and communities with clean energy.
These Senior Principal leadership opportunities will see candidates bring their skills and knowledge to one of five key areas: dams and headworks; hydropower; water (hydrology and hydraulics); power transmission and distribution; and renewables and energy storage.
The roles will report to our Directors, with a direct line of sight to our internationally acclaimed Technical Directors Donald Vaughan (Power) and Richard Herweynen (Water). Entura’s keen focus on career development also provides scope to progress within the business and build a professional portfolio, through involvement in mentoring, industry events, awards and career-defining projects.
“These roles will help Entura play a greater role in the booming renewables sector, which is on track to grow exponentially in Australia and throughout our region in the coming years,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.
“The new Senior Principal positions indicate our commitment to supporting career development in the engineering sector and our desire to create opportunities for new leaders to bring fresh, innovative ideas and technical expertise to our business.”
“At Entura, we believe that our people are the key to our success as a business and our goals of creating a more sustainable future.”
Visit our careers page to find more information about the roles. Applications are open until Monday March 13.
Celebrating 10 years of Entura’s clean energy and water institute
Entura is celebrating 10 years of our dedicated training arm, the Entura clean energy and water institute (ECEWI).
The institute was established in 2012, and has since delivered 146 training programs to power and water clients in Australia and internationally. More than 2,000 participants have been trained during this time, across a total of 10,857 training days.
ECEWI’s courses can be specifically tailored to the needs and business requirements of each client, and can cover a full range of clean energy and water subjects. This includes areas of risk minimisation, safety, operations, management, environmental assessments and more.
From L-R: Leesa deGroot (ECEWI’s Program Coordinator), Amanda Ashworth (ECEWI’s Business Manager), and Tammy Chu (Entura’s Managing Director)
“ECEWI formalises a long history of knowledge sharing, capability development and training across our full range of expertise and services,” says Amanda Ashworth, Entura’s Director of Sales, Strategy and Commercial, and ECEWI Business Manager.
“We are passionate about empowering and supporting our clients through training, and understand the importance of a skilled renewables workforce in the global energy transition.”
ECEWI has formed strong training relationships with a number of local partners over its ten years. In Australia, ECEWI has conducted hydropower operator training for a power utility and has longstanding relationships to deliver certified dam safety training regular dam safety training courses.
“We’re proud of our training achievements in international markets too, such as the Pacific region, where we provided hydropower operator training to a client in Papua New Guinea, to build capability and improve efficiencies,” says Amanda.
“We’ve also delivered wind resource assessment and remote community power training in Vanuatu, to build understanding and capability for future renewable energy development in the country.”
In Asia, ECEWI has enjoyed close relationships with Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Kuala Lumpur’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), the Malaysian Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD), Sarawak Energy Berhad and others. The institute recently celebrated the successful completion of MYCOLD’s dam safety inspector course (Batch 1), which was conducted virtually through remote training with supported assessments using photos and videos due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The pandemic was an opportunity for us to adapt our offerings and brainstorm how we could continue to deliver training for clients in a hybrid format, using a blend of traditional and virtual technologies and methods,” says ECEWI’s Program Coordinator, Leesa deGroot.
“This has led to other training opportunities moving forward, including a current collaboration with UNITEN to deliver international hydropower training in south Asia for AIT’s Energy Development, Services Management and Technology Program.”
“The first decade of ECEWI has been very fruitful and satisfying,” says Amanda, “and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey of building skills across our regions to support the clean energy transition and greater safety and sustainability of energy and water infrastructure.”
“Our clients have considerable renewable energy and water needs and ambitions, and we are proud to support them in achieving those. And, in the process, we can make an enduring contribution to those clients and communities.”
Find out more about our customised training offerings here.
Entura visits Antarctica’s Scott Base research facility for redevelopment works
Entura recently visited New Zealand’s remote Scott Base research facility in Antarctica as part of site investigations for the hub’s redevelopment.
Antarctica New Zealand’s Scott Base Redevelopment project will see a complete overhaul of the existing base, replacing the current ageing infrastructure with a safer, more modern research facility to support New Zealand’s Antarctic science programme and presence in the region for the next 50 years. Entura has been involved in the project since 2020, initially conducting feasibility and option studies to replace the Ross Island Wind Energy system which powers Scott Base. A need to upgrade the current SCADA and hybrid control system were identified, with the goal to increase renewable energy generation for the new base.
As part of ongoing work, Entura’s Specialist Hybrid Systems Engineer, Greg Koppens, and Specialist Renewable Energy Engineer, Andrew Wright, travelled to the base in October to conduct site investigations and better understand the current infrastructure.
“Visiting the base was a rare honour and opportunity, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before,” said Andrew. “It really put into perspective how important the work we’re doing here is.”
“We have extensive experience in delivering hybrid systems in remote areas, but this particular project is highly specialised, as the work we do in Antarctica will be particularly challenging given the difficult access, harsh weather conditions, and short construction window each summer season.”
Entura will continue its involvement in the replacement of the Ross Island Wind Energy system over the next five years, supporting the design and procurement of the new equipment and control systems. The existing flywheel storage will be replaced by a battery energy storage system, and the current turbines will also be replaced.
“It’s quite a complicated job, but our site visit and discussions with the client have allowed us to determine the optimal design and implementation schedule moving forward,” said Greg.
“It’s exciting for Entura to be part of the enduring legacy of Scott Base, and to ensure the research facility will be able to continue its important work well into the future.”
Entura is a leading consultant in renewables development and integration in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in hybrid renewable systems. Our services have been instrumental to the success of other hybrid renewable projects, including the Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project and Flinders Island Energy Hub in Australia, and the delivery of hybrid renewable systems in Yap, the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands and more.
Entura’s specialists share industry insights at 2022 ANCOLD NZSOLD Conference
Entura specialists have shared their insights at this year’s ANCOLD / NZSOLD conference, a meeting of the Australian and New Zealand National Committees on Large Dams in Sydney last week.
It was the first time the three-day event had been held in person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with this year’s focus on ‘Sustainable Dams in a Climate of Change’.
A cohort of Entura’s civil and mechanical engineers attended the conference to share knowledge and engage with industry peers from across Australia and New Zealand, with five of our people giving presentations of their own.
This included Daniel Jirik’s presentation on innovative solutions allowing the use of challenging earthfill materials, informed by his work on TasWater’s Henderson Dam upgrade, and Beth Scott and Rebecca Dew’s joint paper on feasibility studies for Tasmania’s Cethana Pumped Hydro Scheme.
Principal Consultant Richard Herweynen delivered a presentation on Samoa’s multi-purpose Alaoa Dam, while Sasha Longo spoke about the novel use of plastic concrete for cofferdam construction.
“The annual ANCOLD conference is a great opportunity for us to spread the word about the exciting work we do at Entura and connect with like-minded industry professionals,” said Beth.
“We’re thrilled to have had a presence at this year’s event, as speakers, sponsors and an ANCOLD Sustaining Member.”
“Large Dams are what we do. We value the leadership of ANCOLD in encouraging and extending good practice in all aspects of dam engineering and management, to deliver safe, sustainable and resilient water infrastructure that can support the clean energy transition and provide greater security to communities in a changing climate,” said Dale Bryce, Entura’s Director Hydropower & Headworks.
Entura is actively supporting the energy transition through our work on many renewable energy and storage projects, including a number of hydropower initiatives. These include Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation, Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and a new off-creek storage dam in Walcha, New South Wales.
A number of our Directors and Technical specialists recently engaged in a panel discussion to celebrate Global Hydropower Day. During the webinar, they explored the opportunities and challenges confronting the energy sector and the role of hydropower in resolving the energy crisis. You can watch it here.
Entura specialists celebrate inaugural Global Hydropower Day with first webinar
A panel of Entura specialists came together this week to celebrate Global Hydropower Day, marking the occasion with Entura’s international webinar.
Five members of our Executive and Technical Leadership Teams formed the panel, comprising Dale Bryce, Director, Hydropower and Headworks, Dr Amanda Ashworth, Director Strategy, Sales and Commercial, Donald Vaughan, Principal Consultant – Electrical Primary Systems, Richard Herweynen, Principal Consultant – Civil, and Rajeev Raina, Resident Director India.
During the session, they explored the opportunities and challenges confronting the energy sector and the role of hydropower in resolving the energy crisis.
Mr Roger Gill, president of the International Hydropower Association, gave the opening remarks, noting that it was the first Global Hydropower Day webinar event in the world.
Roger noted the enormous opportunity for hydropower to underpin a faster transition to wind and solar, to fill the gap in generation as coal power retires from the market, and to bring a level of energy security in the current world energy crisis sparked by international conflicts.
“Hydropower plays an essential role in the global path to net zero and is key to the growth of other renewables,” he said.
“Hydropower is a clean, green, modern and affordable solution to climate change, and it will ensure the energy transition occurs effectively. With hydropower we can change the world.”
Entura is currently involved in a range of hydropower and pumped hydro projects throughout Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. These include the Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage Project in Queensland, the Battery of the Nation initiative in Tasmania and the Baleh hydroelectric project in Indonesia.
“The International Energy Agency and other institutions are telling us that we need to double our global hydropower capacity in the next 30 years,” said Mr Bryce.
“We know that hydropower developments take time, so in order to keep up with these changes we need to be investing now and moving quickly. We cannot afford to continue business as usual.”
“There’s a massive transition still ahead of us globally to lift electrification, alleviate poverty, encourage jobs and education, support economies, and secure water supplies – and hydropower projects have a very significant role to play in achieving these goals,” added Dr Ashworth.
“With robust sustainability frameworks and tools we have the opportunity to do good projects and to heed past lessons. Fast-tracking can’t come at the expense of sustainability, particularly local environmental and social impacts. Getting these factors right are a crucial part of the hydropower journey.”
With complexity to create robust energy security there are no simple answers. Global Hydropower Day gives us an opportunity to continue the conversations on a global platform to find solutions together.
Watch the full webinar here.
Entura’s device gives Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service a bird’s-eye view
Entura has designed and constructed a remote monitoring device that will be used by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) to support its land management operations.
The unique portable device is the first of its kind to be used in Tasmania. It has an instantly deployable configuration rarely seen in other monitoring devices and comprises instrumentation, high-resolution camera, weather station, satellite, bespoke helicopter auto-lock mechanism and off-grid solar system.
“A portable monitoring system used by Hydro Tasmania caught the eye of PWS, who engaged us to design a similar product to support its field operations,” said Aaron Kelly, one of Entura’s expert Instrumentation and Communications engineers, who led the design.
“We worked with the PWS to create something that met its specific needs, incorporating a camera to capture high-resolution images, a communication system to send these back to a dashboard and a portable robust structure.”
“Working with PWS, we identified an auto-lock mechanism that allowed the device to be picked up and placed entirely by helicopter, with no ground crews or assembly required. We also employed a satellite terminal that’s often used on trains and buses for Wi-Fi, which can be powered by a small off-grid solar power system but still send high-resolution images.”
The first installation of the system – dubbed ‘Big Bird One’ by PWS – was successfully deployed last month in Tasmania’s Southwest National Park. The camera-fitted telemetry equipment was able to capture images from the site and deliver these back to PWS via satellite communications.
Information captured by the monitoring equipment is fed into Entura’s Ajenti Data Management System (ADMS) and used by PWS personnel to assess conditions prior to deploying helicopters for track works and other operations.
“PWS is currently doing track works in the Southwest National Park, and the camera allows staff to check conditions in the area and decide whether or not works can safely go ahead that day,” said Aaron. “It saves them time and resources, as well as helping to manage the risks associated with accessing these remote and often rugged areas.”
“Being able to move the equipment via helicopter also has benefits in terms of landscape preservation and a smaller site footprint than conventional devices.”
In addition to track works and general monitoring operations, the device also has scope to be used for early bushfire detection.
“Our team provides a lot of these monitoring solutions for permanent sites, but this portable model opens up a whole new world for us and our clients,” said Aaron.
“Collaborating with PWS on this specific device was a great experience and it’s exciting to have been involved in such an innovative, important design. We’re looking forward to seeing how the telemetered camera can be used in future and the benefits it will bring.”
Entura contributes insights to Asian Development Bank report on hybrid renewables and battery energy storage in the Pacific
Entura has contributed to an Asian Development Bank report exploring challenges and recommending actions to bolster the success of hybrid renewable energy and battery storage projects in the Pacific.
The report, Hybrid and Battery Energy Storage Systems: Review and Recommendations for Pacific Island Projects, draws on 26 case studies from 9 subprojects in the Cook Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga. It highlights lessons learnt from these projects, which inform recommendations for future implementation of hybrid renewable and BESS developments in the region.
Entura’s Specialist Renewable Energy Engineer Chris Blanksby co-authored the report, having worked on many Pacific ventures funded by the Asian Development Bank, including the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) and Cook Islands Renewable Energy Sector Project (CIRESP).
“The purpose of this report is to take the learnings from these projects and consider how we can improve future renewable energy developments in the Pacific,” said Chris.
“Both Tonga and the Cook Islands have set ambitious targets for renewable energy uptake. Increasing renewable penetration in these nations will help to overcome their unique challenges, such as building climate resilience, extending electrification, reducing reliance on diesel, securing energy supply, and driving down power costs,” he said.
The report proposes three key areas of focus for future projects, including improving project design, understanding current technologies and technical gaps, identifying and implementing optimal and procurement processes.
“We have built strong relationships with the ADB and our clients in the Pacific over many years, and we are proud to contribute to increasing sustainability in the region,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.
“This report is a testament to Chris’s extensive knowledge of hybrid renewables and battery energy storage, and it’s great to see this expertise being harnessed to plan and deliver successful Pacific projects in the future.”
“We hope that our exploration of project challenges and the resulting practical recommendations will support policy-makers, power utilities and the private sector as they initiate and implement similar renewable energy and storage developments across the Pacific region,” said Chris.
Entura is a leading consultant in renewables development in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in battery energy storage and hybrid renewable systems. Our services have been instrumental to the success of other hybrid renewable energy systems and BESS projects throughout Australia and in the Pacific region, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.
Can hydropower resolve the energy crisis? Join our webinar on Global Hydropower Day
Entura celebrated Global Hydropower Day with a webinar including some of our sharpest minds.
Hydropower has been around for centuries, but seems new again on Global Hydropower Day. Where are we now, and where might we be going? Can hydropower make the difference in resolving the energy crisis and smoothing the energy transition?
Opening this webinar was our special guest, Roger Gill, President of the International Hydropower Association.
Our facilitator was Dale Bryce, Director Hydropower and Headworks, and our panellists were:
- Dr Amanda Ashworth, Director Strategy, Sales and Commercial
- Richard Herweynen, Principal Consultant – Civil
- Donald Vaughan, Principal Consultant – Electrical Primary Systems
- Rajeev Raina, Resident Director India.
Entura celebrates initial outcomes of workforce credentialing partnership with Engineers Australia
Entura is celebrating the initial outcomes of our 3.5-year workforce credentialing partnership with Engineers Australia.
Announced in March, the business-to-business pathway offers Entura’s engineers a streamlined way to achieve chartered status, with targeted support and resources.
Our first engineers to achieve chartered status through the pathway are Hydrologist Ash Rasheed, Senior Civil Engineer Beth Scott and Electrical Engineer Daniel Minnucci. They were recognised recently at the Tasmanian division of the Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Awards, where Beth was also a finalist in the Young Professional Engineer of the Year category. A further 4 Entura engineers have achieved their CPEng since.
“It feels great to be recognised by the engineering community with the support of Entura and Engineers Australia,” said Beth.
Chartered engineer (CPEng) is one of the most important technical credentials for an engineering professional, and is nationally and internationally recognised. It is a measure of excellence, and signifies that the recipient holds a certain level of skill, talent and experience.
“We are proud to help further the professional development of our exceptional engineers,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu. “Attaining chartered status offers important recognition of the quality of our people, both nationally and internationally, and gives confidence to our clients.”
“It’s a pleasing initial result from this partnership, and we look forward to seeing more of Entura’s engineers achieve this credential over the next three years.”
Entura at the forefront of renewables transition for mining sector
Earlier this month, two of Entura’s specialists attended the Energy and Mines Australia Summit in Perth.
Hybrid Energy Solutions Specialist Ray Massie led a broad-ranging panel discussion, ‘Key Considerations for Mining Hybrids’, which explored decarbonisation opportunities, implications and strategies for the sector. The panel included Entura’s Specialist Control Engineer Greg Koppens along with Darren Stralow of Bellevue Gold, Luke Sandery of OZ Minerals and Sue D’Arcy of ANZ.
Ray and Greg were encouraged by the mining sector’s strong interest in greater deployment and integration of renewable energy.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen the sector develop a greater level of confidence about renewable energy,” said Ray. “It seems as if every mine in Australia is now putting in renewables at some scale.”
“There is no longer any question in the mining industry of whether hybrid renewable systems will work. The discussion is now focused on how to get projects going, the choice of delivery mechanism, and optimising the system to maximise benefits and match the mine life.”
Ray and Greg noted strong international interest in Australia’s progress in integrating renewables in the mining sector.
“Australia is generally considered to be leading the world in innovation and solutions for renewable energy in mining, and there are many lessons that international players can take home,” said Ray.
Entura is currently working with a number of mining clients in Western Australia to increase their uptake of renewable energy.
“Entura’s long-term real-world experience as an owner-operator of hybrid off-grid renewable energy systems, which began with our work on the world-leading King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project, is still a real distinguisher for us,” said Ray.
“We have a great depth of experience, and we can bring together all the pieces of the puzzle for our clients – including the power system modelling, hybrid control, original equipment manufacturers, and more. We’ve demonstrated that we can apply our experience to achieve very successful outcomes even on the largest projects, such as the high renewable-penetration system powering the Agnew Gold Mine.”
Another trend that Entura’s delegates noted from the Summit was a more holistic appreciation of the role of the mining sector within the energy transition and a deepening commitment to social licence.
“Attitudes about the role of renewables have matured,” said Greg. “Fuel costs are still a powerful driver, as is the need to remain competitive in a market that increasingly values carbon-free products, but there also seems to be a genuine shift in the mining industry towards embracing lower carbon opportunities simply because it is the right thing to do.”
“At the Summit, it was uplifting to hear thoughtful and passionate conversations about social licence, including protecting cultural heritage, preventing contamination of land and water, and creating local job opportunities,” said Greg.
After being held virtually over the last two years, the in-person event was an important opportunity to connect with other industry peers and learn from each other.
Ray recognised a strong appetite in the industry for greater collaboration.
“There is an enormous opportunity ahead for the mining sector, but there are also still many unknowns and challenges to resolve,” said Ray.
“Players in the industry recognise that collaboration will be needed to solve problems and share answers, which will benefit everyone more than competition and working in isolation.”
Our presence at the conference enabled us to demonstrate why Entura is a leader in advanced off-grid hybrid integration systems, and to lend our expertise to support the industry’s uptake of renewables.
“We are at the start of a very exciting time and an incredibly fast transition,” said Greg. “One of the challenges for the industry will be finding enough skilled people to meet the demand. We’re looking forward to continuing to apply our capacity to accelerate Australia’s clean energy future.”
Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI) collaborates with Tenaga Nasional University to deliver hydropower training in Pakistan
Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI) is collaborating with Malaysia’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) to deliver international hydropower training in Pakistan for the Energy Development, Services Management and Technology (EDSMAT) Program of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
The collaboration comes as the third phase of EDSMAT led by AIT’s Yunus Center. The World Bank-supported program is a transnational capacity building venture for Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
As part of the program, ECEWI and UNITEN’s Department of Civil Engineering and Institute of Energy Infrastructure will provide training on 5 key areas of hydropower, including project and contract management, engineering design, operation, maintenance and protection of dam structures, construction management and quality control, dam safety and disaster prevention, environmental and social safeguards and health and safety standards for hydropower projects.
The training will be delivered at the WAPDA Staff College in Islamabad, Pakistan, with UNITEN providing on-the-ground training along with AIT trainers, and ECEWI delivering virtual sessions on key topics.
“We’re pleased to be supporting AIT and WAPDA again through this important training program. Our decade-long collaboration with both AIT and UNITEN has now combined to share our joint knowledge and expertise to WAPDA,” said ECEWI’s Director, Amanda Ashworth.
“It is far reaching and will aim to transfer knowledge and reinforce even more capability and capacity to deliver on Pakistan’s sustainable hydropower goals.”
“We know that our people assets are fundamental to a successful asset management strategy and culture, and it’s their skills and capabilities that are critical to successfully delivering on organisational goals. This is why we at Entura strongly believe in the importance of knowledge sharing and upskilling across international borders.”
“Since virtual learning was forced on us by COVID restrictions, we have made great progress on incorporating a range of flexibility into the way we deliver training. Our virtual/remote learning is very different from what many people think of when they envisage ‘online learning’. We aim to deliver an excellent student experience by using new platforms and tools to maximise human interaction and engagement beyond the classroom,” said Amanda.
“We are pleased to be sharing our knowledge in support of this training program to boost Pakistan’s energy sector capacity and the sustainable development of available hydropower resources to meet the demand for clean, reliable and affordable energy,” said Datin Professor Ir Dr Lariyah Mohd Sidek of UNITEN.
“AIT is excited to see our decade-long collaboration with Entura extend to UNITEN, bringing the best of learning resources in hydropower to WAPDA training facilities in Pakistan. WAPDA’s investment in EDSMAT, with World Bank support since 2012, has benefitted 500 executives and staff from WAPDA and its allied agencies. The present phase will reach a further 480 WAPDA engineers from across the country. As a regional knowledge hub, AIT is happy to help address Pakistan’s water and energy priorities. Together with ECEWI and UNITEN, AIT can accomplish our work with much greater confidence,” said Faiz Shah, EDSMAT Director at AIT.
About ECEWI
Entura’s clean energy and water institute (ECEWI) was established in 2012 and has delivered more than 200 courses to 2,550 people in 24 countries over that time. ECEWI’s capability programs are designed and customised to suit the needs of our clients, and cover the full scope of Entura’s expertise, across hydropower, dam design, safety, water management, environmental management, hydrology and more.
Entura to support Timor-Leste lower electricity costs with hybrid solar solution
Entura has been appointed to support Timor-Leste’s local electricity utility (ETDL, E.P.) reduce the country’s reliance on diesel fuel by adding solar into the energy mix. The transition to low-cost solar is expected to drive down electricity prices and improve environmental outcomes.
Our Specialist Renewable Energy Engineer Chris Blanksby and Specialist Electrical Engineer Ranjith Perera recently travelled to the country to carry out site investigations, marking Entura’s return to international, onsite work.
While there, they visited three potential sites for the nation’s first solar development, as well as three substations, the national dispatch centre, and the main power station.
“We were trying to gather as much information as we could about the site options and the network,” explained Chris.
“The first objective was to narrow down the options and identify the optimal site for the solar farm,” he said. “We’re at rapidly progressing and have issued our preliminary site selection report.”
A number of factors were considered in the site selection, including the solar resource and grid connection opportunities at each site, the challenging local topography and geology, the potential impacts of extreme weather or earthquakes, and accessibility for construction.
The next step is a full feasibility study, which will also consider grid stability and energy storage options. Entura will then support the tendering process by providing technical specifications for procurement.
The hybrid solar development, supported by the Asian Development Bank, is set to be operational by 2025.
“It was great to get back onsite and be able to work face-to-face with our international clients,” said Chris. “We look forward to continuing our work with EDTL, E.P. and supporting Timor-Leste to achieve cleaner, more cost-effective renewable energy generation.”
Entura is a leading consultant in renewables development in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in hybrid renewable systems. Our services have been instrumental to the success of other hybrid renewable energy systems in Yap, the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Flinders Island and Western Australia.
Construction of Kidston Pumped Storage Project well underway in North Queensland
Construction of Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Storage project in North Queensland is well underway.
The project achieved financial close in June 2021, and Entura was appointed as Owner’s Engineer. As part of the project’s construction phase, our Principal Consultant Richard Herweynen and Specialist Hydropower Engineer Nick West recently visited the site to oversee progress.
Above: aerial views of the Eldridge Pit at Kidston, construction offices and the portal for the main access tunnel
“The project utilises two old mine pits, Wises and Eldridge, as the upper and lower reservoirs,” Richard explained. “Major earthworks are taking place around the perimeter of the old Wises pit, using the waste rock dump piles on site from past mining operations.”
“The waterproof membrane for the Wises dam is set to be installed next month, and excavation is occurring in the inlet area, where the intake structure will be constructed for the power station.”
Above: section of the Wises dam, the upper storage, trialling the construction methodology components
It’s the first pumped hydro storage project to be constructed in Australia in almost 40 years, and Entura is thrilled to have been involved from the project’s inception.
“It was great to finally get to site and to see construction occurring on a number of fronts,” said Richard. “It is always great seeing projects you are involved with become a reality, and it is particularly so for the Kidston Pumped Storage Project, given the journey we have been on with Genex.”
Above: Nick West on site at Kidston
Our initial meetings with Genex Power were in 2015, when we were engaged to undertake the bankable feasibility study for the Kidston Pumped Storage project. Entura completed the feasibility study over the next 18 months, which included travelling to China with Genex Power to inspect a number of other operational hydro pumped storage projects.
Our involvement has continued from there, throughout the early contractor involvement phase, funding phase, independent due diligence assessments and financial close, and now into the construction phase as Owner’s Engineer. Our strong relationship with Genex Power has also seen us assist as a trusted advisor on other projects, including grid connection studies and support for its solar projects, and wind monitoring for a potential opportunity in the Kidston area.
“We’re proud to be part of this new pumped storage development, and we’re aware of how important storage is in Australia’s transition to renewable energy,” said Richard.
Entura is actively supporting the energy transition through our work on many renewable energy and storage projects, including other pumped hydro and dispatchable renewables initiatives such as Hydro Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation.
Entura experts share insights on increasing renewable energy penetration in mining sector
Entura’s Hybrid Energy Solutions Specialist Ray Massie has shared his insights into the use of renewable energy in the mining sector in the latest issue of the Energy and Mines Magazine (issue 42, June 2022).
The article, titled ‘The Challenges of 100% RE penetration’, explores the shift towards larger and more complex hybrid power systems in mining, and the key technical considerations for moving a mining power system towards a higher percentage of renewable energy. In the piece, Ray predicts that we’ll see 60-80% renewable energy penetration used in mines in the next five years, and outlines the challenges to achieving 100% RE penetration.
Read the article here.
Entura shares insights from 2022 Planning Institute of Australia Congress
Sponsoring the Planning Institute of Australia Congress in Hobart, Tasmania in May gave Entura the opportunity to participate in conversations around climate change and the need for resilient, sustainable outcomes.
It was the first time the national congress had been conducted in person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 500 planners from across Australia and beyond – from New Zealand to Barcelona – attended three days of presentations, workshops, study tours and networking events.
Three of Entura’s own attended the congress as part of our sponsorship; environmental planner Bunfu Yu, senior planning and environment consultant Scott Rowell, and Water Management Team Leader Scott Lobdale, who is also a registered planner.
L-R: Bunfu Yu, Scott Lobdale and Scott Rowell at the 2022 PIA Congress
“It was great to be able to have wide-ranging discussions and share insights with planners across the many aspects of the industry,” said Scott Lobdale.
“A particular area of interest for us, given the nature of our work on power and water assets, was the focus on the criticality of planning for climate change, for sustainable infrastructure and, crucially, for resilient communities.”
Bunfu served on the Congress study tour committee, and coordinated a visit to Meadowbank Dam, a Hydro Tasmania’s asset on which Entura has delivered dam safety services for many years.
“The tour to Meadowbank was valuable for helping planners consider infrastructure opportunities and constraints in their approach to development, and for gaining a wider perspective on the fundamental importance of water resources and renewable energy as enablers for industries and communities to grow and thrive,” said Bunfu.
The 2022 event explored many aspects of planning, including public health, housing, equity, and climate.
“Key themes that emerged from the congress included the need for communities to always be at the heart of what we do as planners,” said Bunfu. “It’s important that we recognise the difference between planning for communities and planning with communities as we approach new projects.”
“It was also encouraging to see a strong appreciation of the need to prioritise First Nations perspectives and issues in everything we do, and to consider how we can demonstrate respect and incorporate a deeper level of First Nations history and culture into projects.”
“Planners need to go beyond ensuring that projects comply with laws, regulations and codes; we should always be looking to align our projects with best practice and promote genuine, enduring social licence to operate.”
Entura also sponsored two students from the University of Tasmania to attend the congress.
“We recognise the importance of supporting students at the beginning of their professional planning careers, and this was a powerful opportunity to help them gain a multidimensional view of planning and engage with the pressing challenges facing the broader development sector,” said Scott Lobdale.
“For young planners entering the profession, climate change will permeate every aspect of their work, not only as an ‘issue’, but also as an ‘opportunity’ to make meaningful, positive impacts for a more sustainable future.”
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