Coping with COVID-19: What are industry leaders saying?

In the latest issue of  International Water Power & Dam Construction magazine, a number of professionals in the industry share their experiences – both personal and professional – of coping in the unsettling times we’re all experiencing due to COVID-19.

In the feature, Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu, shares some thoughts about how we’re rising to the challenges and also finding some positive aspects amidst change and uncertainty.

Access a PDF of the feature here.

Entura delivers on the Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project, despite COVID-19

Entura has completed the design, delivery and commissioning of a microgrid control system for the Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project in remote Western Australia, despite the challenges of keeping its people safe and complying with travel and quarantine restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image courtesy of EDL

The Agnew Hybrid Renewable Energy Project, owned and operated by energy producer EDL, powers global mining company Gold Fields’ Agnew gold mine through a combination of solar and wind generation, battery energy storage, and gas and diesel generation. It is the first of its kind in the mining sector in Australia, and certainly the largest.

The role of the control system, delivered by Entura, is to coordinate all of the power system elements to maximise the amount of renewable energy used and to ensure the system remains stable.

“The control system is key to achieving the renewable contribution target: without a control system to coordinate all the pieces, it’s impossible to push significant renewables into the microgrid and maintain power quality,” said Ryan Willems, a Senior Renewable Energy Engineer at Entura.

“The control system calculates set-points for the solar, wind and battery systems depending on system conditions and how many gas generators are online, managing the renewables and battery around what the thermal power station is doing.”

At a critical stage of the project, Hobart-based Ryan needed to be safely returned home from the distant and remote project location to Tasmania due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and Entura’s commitment to the safety of its workers.

During a fortnight of mandatory isolation, Ryan was able to remotely commission the control system – a highly unusual method of operation, but a successful and safe compromise that ensured that the project could remain on track.

“Our previous hybrid renewables projects have resulted in Entura achieving several world-firsts for microgrids, so it’s always exciting to be pushing the envelope of what’s possible at the forefront of the industry, even from a desktop in a hotel room rather than out on site,” said Ryan.

“The Agnew project demonstrates another significant advance in Entura’s hybrid journey as we’ve tackled the major challenge of integrating gas engines, which have higher minimum load requirements and slower response times than the diesel engines, so they present more complexities for system integration.”

The Agnew project is now operational and is demonstrating that reliable supply can be achieved with a significant contribution from variable renewable sources. The target of supplying over half the mine’s energy demand from renewable energy has already been exceeded at times, with 70% having been achieved in favourable weather conditions.

“We are delighted to have been able to ensure the safety of our personnel while still continuing to effectively support our valued client EDL to deliver this important industry-leading project despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts on our usual work practices,” said Tammy Chu, Entura’s Managing Director.

“The Agnew project is an outstanding result for EDL and Gold Fields, and sets an inspiring benchmark for the mining industry, demonstrating that it is possible to transition to a lower carbon future by maximising renewable energy while maintaining energy reliability and stability.”

Entura was also engaged to provide power systems modelling and protection system studies for various parts of the project.

“Entura has enjoyed the close working relationship that’s formed among SMA, Goldwind, Cummins and EDL, which allowed the successful combination of the equipment both in the modelling space and now also so successfully in the physical environment of this far-from-ordinary microgrid,” said Donald Vaughan, Entura’s Principal Consultant in primary electrical engineering.

Entura previously completed a similar hybrid microgrid project for EDL in the South Australian mining town of Coober Pedy, displacing diesel generation through an integrated wind, solar and battery storage system, and achieving periods of 100% renewable energy. The Coober Pedy project built on the King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project (KIREIP), which led the world when it first achieved 100% renewable operation using wind energy in 2012.

Business continuity planning during COVID-19

Entura has a rigorous, structured business continuity plan to ensure that we protect health and safety, maintain good governance, and minimise impacts on our clients’ projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to travel restrictions and the need for physical distancing, we are postponing non-essential field work at this time.

To progress other required field activities, we are closely engaging with our partners on shared field work protocols and exploring methods to enable physical distancing, such as separate road travel. We are sharing COVID-19 mitigation strategies and amending safe work method statements (SWMS) for field work.

We will continue to work with our clients to explore possibilities for rescheduling, re-scoping or redirecting effort and associated timelines.

Please contact us if you would like to find out more, or download our business continuity plan summary.

Hundreds of Entura offices open in April

At Entura, we’re constantly looking for new ways to innovate, communicate and ensure we continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception to this – in fact, we are now proving that with hundreds of new offices across the Indo-Pacific – in Australia, India, Laos and the Philippines – this means that we’re still just a click away from our clients.

We’ve been working creatively and collaboratively with our clients to look at ways we can continue or start projects, carefully mitigating risks associated with site visits. In one instance, we used the resources of a drone and the client’s own on-ground personnel to direct the collation of data and to work through modelling scenarios together. In another instance we became the conduit for communications between our client and regulatory authorities, achieving a mutually beneficial result and ensuring all parties were aware of the constraints now being faced and how best to deal with them. 

We’re talking more than ever before and we’re collaborating and trying new ways to achieve successful outcomes, despite the obvious challenges right now.

Sure, our new offices may consist of only one person in each, but we’re loving the commute!

Entura’s COVID-19 response

At Entura, we are actively monitoring and responding to the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being put in place to slow its progression.

We are committed to doing our utmost to help ‘flatten the curve’, to protect and support our employees and clients, and to maintain business continuity and progress with projects across Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

With offices and staff in a number of locations in Australia as well as in India, the Philippines and Laos, we are already experts in remote working, virtual teaming and inter-office collaboration, using a range of well-established technologies.

We are adhering to all domestic and international travel restrictions, self-isolation and social distancing measures. This will affect our ability to interact with you in person and to attend project sites; however, we will work with you to determine alternative solutions and the best way forward for your project.

It is likely that your circumstances will also be changing, so please keep us up to date so we can respond in the best way possible.

We will make every effort to ensure the progress of your projects in these uncertain and challenging times, in support of our vision to create the safe and sustainable power and water solutions that make a positive and enduring contribution to our clients and communities.

Tina River hydropower scheme secures financing after a decade of preliminary studies

Entura welcomes the announcement that financing has been secured to enable construction of a 15 MW hydropower scheme on the Tina River, near Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Entura has been involved with the project for a decade, beginning with prefeasibility studies in 2009.

The development will replace expensive and emissions-intensive diesel energy generation with as much hydropower from the Tina River as is technically and economically feasible. By replacing diesel, the project is set to support the Solomon Islands to reach its emissions targets as well as to ensure more affordable, secure and sustainable electricity for Honiara.

Entura was engaged to identify the optimum hydropower development scheme based on technical, economic, social and environmental and load growth criteria, and to conduct the detailed feasibility study of the identified development scheme.

Over the last ten years, Entura has conducted prefeasibility and full feasibility studies including site identification and evaluation, conceptual and preliminary design, geological and geotechnical investigation, river gauging, social and environmental survey, stakeholder consultation, emergency management plans, and local capacity building.

More recently, in 2017, Entura was engaged to evaluate four options identified for the integration of the Tina River hydropower project into the Honiara network via a 66kV transmission line over a long distance through challenging terrain.

“Entura’s depth of expertise in sustainable hydropower development helped to pave the way towards the successful development of this important power-generation infrastructure,” said Pradip Verma, CEO of Solomon Power.

“The expertise provided by Entura will help ensure technical viability as well as a social licence to operate which will lead to minimisation of environmental and social impacts.”

“Entura’s vision is to create safe and sustainable power and water solutions that make positive and enduring contributions to our clients and to communities throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.

“We are delighted to see a decade of preliminary studies coming to fruition with the achievement of financing for this project.”

Construction is set to begin in 2020, with the US$240 million project due to be operational in 2024.

Entura-designed hydropower plant in Laos now operational

The Nam Pha Gnai hydropower plant in Laos, designed by Entura, has begun generating electricity after completion of construction in September 2019.

A commissioning ceremony took place in November 2019 in Pha Noi village, attended by government officials, local authorities and business operators, as well as Entura representatives.

Located in the Nam Ngum river basin at the convergence of the Nam Ngum, Nam Pha Noi and Nam Pha Gnai rivers, the 19.2 MW run-of-river hydropower project comprises a 70m-high concrete gravity dam, 1.2m-long headrace tunnel, 5.1km-long channel, forebay, 280m-long surface penstock and three Francis turbines (2 x 7.4 MW + 1 x 4.4 MW) housed in a surface powerhouse.

Construction of the project began in October 2014 with an investment of about US$68 million by the DSK Group. Entura was awarded a contract for Owner’s Engineer services in 2014.

“Entura’s technical expertise and excellent performance in the preliminary stages led to its subsequent engagement for the detailed engineering contract,” said Mr Sayasith Sanakeo, Managing Director, DSK Group.

“Entura’s expertise was a key factor in the smooth progress of construction and the optimisation of many elements of the project, resulting in significant savings on excavation and concrete.”

To reduce excavation and concrete, Entura used an arch profile for the dam, sloped the foundation level upstream, provided a cantilever crest upstream, and used an unconventional gate structure and arrangement.

Entura also significantly reduced excavation by revising the proposed layout of the approach road and canal, ensuring slope stability in the headworks area through phase 2 software analysis, and relocating the powerhouse to decrease rock excavation and the length of the tailrace.

In addition, costs were reduced by using concrete pipes (cast in situ) rather than concrete-pier-supported bridges to enable canals to cross streams.

“We are pleased to support Laos in developing its hydropower sector,” said Entura’s Director International Business. 

“In our work on this project, we made very high priorities of protecting the natural environment, avoiding adverse social impacts, and ensuring sustainability into the future.”

Entura has also supported a number of significant hydropower projects in Laos with feasibility studies and owner’s engineer services including Nam Long 2, Nam Long 3, Nam Ngum 2 and Nam Ngum 3 hydropower projects. As well, Entura has played a key role in drafting new dam safety guidelines to form part of the Laos Electrical Power Technical Standards.

Entura continues to support Tonga’s clean energy journey

Entura has been engaged by the Asian Development Bank to continue its involvement in Tonga’s journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future powered by renewable energy.

Tonga comprises more than 170 South Pacific islands, many uninhabited. Like many island nations in the Pacific, Tonga is facing the urgent challenges of climate change. A key element in building greater environmental sustainability and climate resilience is increasing the proportion of renewable energy generation and storage and decreasing the reliance on emissions-intensive and expensive imported diesel fuel.

The government of Tonga has a renewable energy target of 50% by 2020 and 70% by 2030. It has completed more than 14 projects to date, and is working on 9 new projects under the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) due to be completed before the end of 2020.

Funded by the Green Climate Fund, Asian Development Bank, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Government of Tonga, the TREP project will provide storage and grid stability on the main island of Tongatapu, allowing installation of more than 10 MW of new private investment in renewable generation to help achieve the 50% target. On the outer islands, TREP will provide new storage and renewable generation on 7 islands, including 5 new mini-grids for islands that do not currently have a power station or reliable power supply.

Entura previously undertook technical, financial and economic feasibility assessments and due diligence on each of the TREP projects, supporting Tonga’s applications for project finance. Entura has also supported Tonga through the procurement of these projects, with the final tender recently closing.

Entura is now poised to continue its involvement into the next phase by again supporting Tonga to ensure TREP projects are successfully delivered on time. Entura will review contractors’ designs, witness testing, and monitor and supervise work on site as the TREP projects are constructed.

“Securing funding for TREP and commencing implementation of these projects is an important milestone for Tonga,” said Tonga Power Limited CEO Seti Chen.

“The most critical stage of delivery is now underway, and we are pleased to be working with experienced partners including Entura to ensure that this can be done on time, and with a high-quality outcome.”

The new renewable energy developments will enable greater access to modern, reliable energy services for the population of approximately 104 000, and will enable greater energy security and affordability by lessening reliance on imported diesel.

“The people and government of Tonga are expecting to see the impact on future electricity tariffs of adopting a 50% share of renewable energy,” said Paula Ma’u, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC).

The renewable energy projects will help Tonga meet its environmental targets, and will contribute to climate change adaptation programs for areas already witnessing rising sea levels and associated issues such as erosion of roads and sea walls, increased salinity, and damage to buildings.

“Enabling safe and sustainable renewable power developments that make a positive and enduring contribution to communities is very important to us, and we are always pleased to bring our expertise to assist our Pacific neighbours with their renewable energy journeys,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu.

Over a number of years, Entura has successfully delivered a range of renewable energy solutions across the Pacific including remote island projects in the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu and the Federated States of Micronesia. The firm has developed a world-leading approach to off-grid and fringe-of-grid megawatt-scale development through its experience with hybrid renewables projects. 

Entura welcomes new milestone in Tuvalu’s renewable energy journey

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura welcomes the announcement of a $6 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support Tuvalu’s journey towards its goal of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2025.

With funding from the ADB, Entura has been supporting the Pacific nation’s renewable energy journey with planning and feasibility studies for solar and battery projects, which are now set to become reality through the Increasing Access to Renewable Energy Project, funded by the grant.

Like many island nations in the Pacific, Tuvalu’s nine islands are facing the urgent threats of climate change. Transitioning from emissions intensive and expensive diesel generation to greater proportions of renewable energy will contribute to the country’s environmental targets, climate resilience and sustainability, as well as the affordability and reliability of its electricity services.

The grant will enable installation of rooftop solar and battery storage systems to boost renewables from 15 per cent to 32 per cent in Tuvalu’s capital, Funafuti. As well, ground-mounted solar on the islands of Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, and Nui will increase their proportion of renewable generation to more than 90 per cent. Entura performed due diligence of social, environmental, financial, economic and technical aspects of the projects to satisfy ADB requirements for awarding the grant to Tuvalu.

Entura has also been involved with the preparation of tender documents and managing the tender process on behalf of Tuvalu Electricity Corporation to procure the contractors and equipment for the Increasing Access to Renewable Energy Project, with tenders closing in early December.

Once complete, an average of 35 per cent of Tuvalu’s day-time electricity is expected to be generated from solar, with short, regular periods of 100 per cent renewables.

“It is very gratifying to see our preliminary work in Tuvalu move into its next stages,” said Tammy Chu, Entura’s Managing Director.

“We will welcome any further opportunities to support Tuvalu’s energy journey, drawing on our extensive experience of planning and implementing renewable generation and storage projects in many other Pacific nations, as well as in Australia and South-East Asia.”

Over the years, Entura has successfully delivered a range of renewable energy solutions across the Pacific including remote island projects in the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and the Federated States of Micronesia. The firm has developed a world-leading approach to off-grid and fringe-of-grid megawatt-scale development through its experience with hybrid renewables projects. Entura has recently been awarded the construction supervision phase of Tonga’s renewable energy program, making it the only consultant to have worked on all phases of any ADB project in the Pacific.

Entura to support construction of Jemalong Solar Project as Owner’s Engineer

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura welcomes Genex Power’s achievement of financing to enable construction of the Jemalong Solar Project in New South Wales. Entura was engaged to deliver Owner’s Engineer services for the project, building on its strong relationship with Genex Power.

With the announcement of financing, construction is set to commence on the 50 MW solar PV project near Forbes in central-west New South Wales, which is expected to be operational in late 2020.

Entura conducted due diligence work on the Jemalong Solar Project prior to the purchase of the project by Genex Power. Entura was also previously appointed as Owner’s Engineer for Stage 2 of Genex’s 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and 270 MW Kidston Solar Project in Queensland.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Entura again to support the delivery of our latest project, in New South Wales,” said James Harding, CEO of Genex Power.

“Entura’s wealth of experience and capability in renewables and their integration into the network makes Entura the ideal partner to enable the success of our projects.”

As Owner’s Engineer on the Jemalong project, Entura will play a vital role in ensuring timely, quality outcomes for Genex Power during the design and construction phase of the project, working closely with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, Beon Energy Solutions.

Entura’s scope includes review of detailed design documents, EPC contractor’s plans, test plans and the provision of technical advice on key aspects of generator registration, construction and commissioning activities.

Genex Power expects the solar farm to provide enough electricity to power 23 000 homes, offsetting more than 100 000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

Commenting on the announcement, Entura Director Dale Bryce said, “We stand ready to support Genex to deliver its renewable energy vision, and are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationship we have developed with Genex as Owner’s Engineer at Kidston and through our previous involvement at Jemalong.

“As believers in dispatchable renewables we have tuned our capabilities accordingly, especially in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farm developments, combining these with very strong power systems and grid connection capability.”

Entura is one of the leading consultants in renewables development and integration in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farms, energy storage and grid connection. The firm works with clients to help tackle the challenges of creating hybrid renewable energy projects, from grid-connected and utility-scale to small, isolated systems.

Entura experts share insights on hydropower potential in Australia

In a new article published in the latest issue of the International Journal on Hydropower & Dams (vol 26, issue 4, 2019), Entura’s Donald Vaughan shared his insights into the current and future opportunities for hydropower in Australia. 

The article ‘The resurgence of hydropower in Australia’ explores the drivers of the boom in renewable energy and the implications of this for grid management. The author explores the role of hydropower and pumped hydro energy storage to support the energy transition in Australia. He considers the challenges and benefits of various storage options, and describes opportunities across the country for redevelopment or conversion of existing hydropower schemes or for the development of pumped hydro energy storage projects in a range of configurations.

You can subscribe to the journal at www.hydropower-dams.com/journal.

For more insights into these topics, browse our Natural Thinking articles.

Entura shares Asian hydropower experience

In the August issue of International Water Power & Dam Construction magazine, Entura’s immediate past Director for International Business, Ajay Sharma, shared some of Entura’s hydropower project experience across Asia, and offered recommendations for successful hydropower development.

Download the PDF article here. 

To find out more about Entura’s hydropower services contact Dale Bryce on +61 409 984 447. 

Entura appointed Owner’s Engineer for Jemalong Solar Farm

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura has been engaged by Genex Power to deliver owner’s engineer services for the Jemalong Solar Farm in New South Wales.

Image courtesy of Genex Power

The 50 MW solar PV project, near Forbes in central-west New South Wales, was recently purchased by Genex Power.

Entura was previously appointed as Owner’s Engineer for Stage 2 of Genex’s 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and 270 MW Kidston Solar Project in Queensland. Entura also conducted due diligence work on the Jemalong Solar Farm prior to the purchase of the project by Genex Power.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Entura again to support the delivery of our latest project, in New South Wales,” said James Harding, CEO of Genex Power.

“Entura’s wealth of experience and capability in renewables and their integration into the network makes Entura the ideal partner to enable the success of our projects.”

As Owner’s Engineer on the Jemalong project, Entura will play a vital role in ensuring timely, quality outcomes for Genex Power during the design and construction phase of the project, working closely with the preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, UGL.

Entura’s scope includes review of detailed design documents, EPC contractor’s plans, test plans and the provision of technical advice on key aspects of generator registration, construction and commissioning activities.

Genex Power expects the solar farm to be operational by the second half of 2019, with the capacity to power 23 000 homes, offsetting more than 100 000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

Commenting on the appointment, Entura Director Dale Bryce said, “We are pleased to be acting as Genex’s Owner’s Engineer at Kidston and now at Jemalong, helping Genex deliver its renewable energy vision.

“As believers in dispatchable renewables we have tuned our capabilities accordingly, especially in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farm developments, combining these with very strong power systems and grid connection capability.”

Entura is one of the leading consultants in renewables development and integration in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farms, energy storage and grid connection. The firm works with clients to help tackle the challenges of creating hybrid renewable energy projects, from grid-connected and utility-scale to small, isolated systems.

Entura supports dam safety improvement in Laos

Entura is supporting the efforts of the Government of Laos to increase the safety of its existing and future dams.

“We are bringing our expertise in dam safety to make a positive and enduring difference in Laos, where hydropower is a major contributor to the economy and community,” said Entura’s Director of International Business Development and Managing Director India.

“The critical importance of this work is underlined by the recent failures of the Xepian Xe Namnoy dam and the Nam Aow dam,” he said.

International consulting firm PWC and Entura were engaged to conduct a work program, including visiting a number of projects across the country and studying the existing provisions for dam safety under the prevailing legal framework.

In response, Entura has now drafted a set of eight dam safety guidelines, relating to aspects such as geology and geotechnical investigations; quality during construction and commissioning; ongoing safety surveillance; management and governance; training of personnel; and how to prepare and implement an Emergency Action Plan to deal with disasters, such as the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy failure in July 2018.

“Entura has partnered with many clients in the Mekong region to deliver solutions across the whole lifecycle of hydropower projects, including internationally recognised approaches to dam safety and we are pleased to support Laos in its efforts towards greater dam safety and energy security,” said Entura’s Director of International Business Development and Managing Director India.

“We acknowledge the support of many parties in framing these guidelines, including the Government of Laos, Ministry of Energy and Mines, World Bank, PWC – India, Multiconsult, the expert committee on dam safety, and others,” he said.

Entura has just presented the dam safety guidelines at a round-table meeting held in the capital, Vientiane. The guidelines are expected to be implemented after ministerial approval and will form part of the existing Laos Electrical Power Technical Standards.

Entura is supporting a number of significant hydropower projects in Laos, including owner’s engineer services for the Nam Long 2 and Nam Long 3 hydropower projects, and feasibility studies for the Nam Ngum 2 and Nam Ngum 3 hydropower projects.

Entura has also provided customised training through the Entura clean energy and water institute, and supported the sustainable development of the Mekong region through sustainability assessment and participation in regional forums.

Entura’s Ajit Garg presenting the dam safety guidelines at the round-table meeting in Laos

Entura helps Cook Islands reach another milestone towards 100% renewable energy

Entura has helped the Cook Islands achieve another milestone in its push to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and move towards the country’s renewable energy goals.

The Cook Islands is a group of 15 small islands in the Pacific, to the north-east of New Zealand. Entura is working towards enabling the conversion of the power supply of six southern islands of the 12 inhabited islands in the group from mainly diesel generation to solar/battery hybrid systems that will supply 100% of the populations’ energy needs.

The solar/battery hybrid project on the island of Mangaia, the third of the six southern islands, is now operational and was officially opened last week. Mangaia can now switch off its diesel generators and run entirely on clean and reliable solar and battery power thanks to its new hybrid renewable power system. A similar plant in Mitiaro opened in May, followed by another in Atiu in August.

Hybrid energy projects on another southern island – Mauke – will be completed over coming months, followed by a range of other initiatives on a further two islands, Rarotonga and Aitutaki, which have higher power demands. Power systems there will be upgraded to increase levels of renewable energy generation and provide control systems and battery storage technology to manage high levels of renewables.

The new renewable energy developments will expand the island populations’ access to modern, reliable energy services, enable greater energy security and reduce reliance on costly, emissions-intensive diesel fuel.

Entura is supporting hybrid renewable energy developments in the Cook Islands

“Energy security and self-sufficiency are essential for remote and isolated locations such as the Cook Islands,” said Entura’s Managing Director, Tammy Chu. “Diesel fuel remains the single largest expense to generate power on many Pacific islands, so using renewable energy makes good economic sense as well as reducing carbon and other emissions.

“Enabling safe and sustainable renewable power developments that make a positive and enduring contribution to communities is very important to us, and we are pleased to bring our expertise to assist our Pacific neighbours with their renewable energy journeys,” said Tammy Chu.

Entura is providing owner’s engineer services for these projects; undertaking concept studies; proposing optimum solutions to achieve the project objectives; assessing technical, environmental, social and economic viability; supporting procurement; and overseeing implementation.

As well, Entura has delivered strategic advice to assist with energy policy development for the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands Renewable Energy Chart Implementation Plan encapsulates this strategy.

Along with the similar systems previously completed on six Northern Group islands, Entura’s work with the six southern island projects will achieve significant progress towards the Cook Islands’ target of 100% renewable energy by 2020.

“The commitment to renewable energy is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development,” said Tangi Tereapii, Director of the Renewable Energy Development Division of the Cook Islands Government.

“It also underlines the Government’s commitment to addressing climate change, preserving the country’s pristine environment and ecosystems, and strengthening the level of energy security which is a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

“The Cook Islands Government recognises the professionalism of the partnership with Entura, which ensures that these projects are implemented in a way that blends our islands’ culture and mana [power].”

Funding for the Cook Islands projects comes from multiple funding streams providing great experience dealing with different donors and different rules. The funding streams include an Asian Development Bank loan of NZD12.98 million, a European Union Grant of €5.3 million, committed funding from the Global Environment Facility of USD4.1 million, a product grant from the Pacific Environment Community of USD3.9 million, as well as a government allocation for dedicated resources and land compensation.

Entura people set to boost diversity on boards

Two of Entura’s emerging leaders have received scholarships to help prepare them for future board positions.

Sandra Thaow (Group Manager, Grid and Power) and Fariba Jaffari (Electrical Engineer, Power Systems) have been named among the 17 successful recipients of Board Diversity Government Scholarships, an initiative under the Tasmanian Government’s Women on Boards Strategy, which aims to increase female representation on government boards and committees to 50 per cent by 2020 (from 42.9% at August 2018).

Entura’s Sandra Thaow (left) and Fariba Jaffari (right)

The scholarships will enable Sandra and Fariba to undertake the Foundations of Directorship course delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), join the AICD as Members and get access to corporate governance mentoring and AICD networking events.

“Two of the main impediments to women aspiring to leadership and board roles are a lack of confidence that they are ready for the role, and having the opportunity to take up such a role,” said Sandra, who has not yet served on a board but is keen to take up a future board position with a not-for-profit or charity.

“One of the benefits I’m most looking forward to from this scholarship is the relationships that I will make, which will help me to find board opportunities,” she said.

Both Sandra and Fariba found out about the scholarships through Hydro Tasmania’s global communications, and have received strong support from their managers.

“I am very pleased to work in a company that values diversity in its workforce,” said Fariba Jaffari, “and to live in a country that gives opportunities to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, Aboriginal women, and women working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) to show their abilities and aspire to be board members and take up leadership roles.”

Entura MD, Tammy Chu, said, “We value diversity.  It makes us stronger together. And what is true of our workplace is equally true of our broader communities.  Diversity of thought and backgrounds leads to better outcomes overall.

“I am delighted with the recognition Sandra and Fariba have achieved.”

Entura named Owner’s Engineer for Dundonnell Wind Farm

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura has been named by Tilt Renewables as the Owner’s Engineer for the Dundonnell Wind Farm in Victoria, Australia.

Located north-east of Mortlake in western Victoria, the wind farm will consist of 80 wind turbines, producing up to 336 MW of clean, renewable electricity with a connection into the National Electricity Market via a new 38 km, 220 kV transmission line.

Tilt Renewables was successful in bidding for the Dundonnell Wind Farm to be part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Auction Scheme (VREAS), securing a Support Agreement by the state.

Clayton Delmarter, General Manager – Renewable Development, from Tilt Renewables said, “With the project having recently achieved financial close, we now look to Entura to undertake design review and construction monitoring services for the wind farm and balance of plant, transmission line and a new terminal station.

“This is an exciting time for us, with construction commencement now anticipated in early 2019 and commercial operation scheduled for the third quarter of 2020.”

In announcing financial close for the project, Tilt Renewables highlighted the establishment of an agreement for a shared transmission line solution, available to other wind farm operators in the area – avoiding the need to duplicate infrastructure. To enable this, Tilt Renewables will construct a 15 km, dual-circuit section as part of the total 38 km of new transmission line required for the Dundonnell Wind Farm.

Entura’s Managing Director Tammy Chu said, “Having supported Tilt Renewables in the lead up to financial close, we are pleased to continue that partnership as Owner’s Engineer at Dundonnell, working alongside Vestas as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor and AusNet Services as the Transmission Network Services Provider to deliver a successful project.”

Tilt Renewables’ Salt Creek Wind Farm (pictured) signposts further renewables development in western Victoria. Dundonnell Wind Farm too has reached financial close, and Entura has been appointed as Owner’s Engineer (image courtesy of Tilt Renewables)

Entura draws on more than 20 years of experience at the forefront of the industry, developing and delivering wind farms and other renewable energy solutions in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific region. Recently Entura launched an online hub with insights and resources to help renewable energy project developers, power utilities and investors understand and assess the different types of energy storage solutions, particularly mainstream contenders such as pumped hydro and large batteries.

“Baseload fossil fuel generation can be replaced by a combination of variable renewables, dispatchable renewables, and smart network support and planning to ensure sufficient transmission capacity,” said Dale Bryce, Entura’s Director Customer Strategy & Market Development, on launching the online hub at dispatchablerenewables.entura.com.

Dispatchable renewables: it’s time to start planning the transition

What if the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine? This is a very familiar question for those in the renewable energy industry – and the answer these days seems to be pretty obvious: you add storage. However, the right type and amount of storage required is not so obvious, according to specialist power and water consulting firm Entura. 

“As old thermal generation assets retire and as the world moves towards a lower emissions future, we need to solve the ‘energy trilemma’. In other words, we need an energy future that is affordable, sustainable and reliable,” says Dale Bryce, Customer Strategy & Market Development Director at Entura.

“The role of renewable generation in achieving affordable and sustainable energy is clear. Wind and solar PV now offer the lowest cost of new energy development, have low ongoing operational costs, and near zero emissions.”

However, replacing coal-fired power stations with wind and solar is not a like-for-like swap in terms of availability of power when it is needed by consumers because generation from renewables varies due to the availability of the natural resource.  So how can we achieve the third element of the ‘energy trilemma’: reliability, at the right cost?

Entura has launched this week dispatchablerenewables.entura.com – an online hub with insights and resources to help renewable energy project developers, power utilities and investors to understand and assess the different types of storage solutions, particularly mainstream contenders such as pumped hydro and large batteries. 

“We’re excited about the possibilities of combining multiple forms of renewable energy generation with storage solutions, to create sustainable and fully dispatchable power from the natural resources of water, sun and wind. We call it dispatchable renewables,” says Dale.   

Dale explains that dispatchable renewables will be an important part of the solution to the energy trilemma, but not the only solution. “Baseload fossil fuel generation can be replaced by a combination of variable renewables, dispatchable renewables, and smart network support and planning to ensure sufficient transmission capacity.”

“We know that implementing these solutions can take a long time, but if the industry is serious about solving the energy trilemma, the time to start planning for the transition is now.” 

Entura boosts hydropower capability in India

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura has appointed Mr Lal Chand Goyal as Specialist Consultant Hydropower, based in its New Delhi office, in India.

Mr Goyal has more than 20 years of experience in hydropower projects ranging from 5 MW to 1750 MW in India, Bhutan and Africa.

“Lal Chand is very well regarded in the hydropower industry for his technical capabilities and we are delighted to welcome him to Entura,” said Entura’s International Business Development Director.

Mr Goyal’s experience encompasses preparation of prefeasibility and full feasibility studies, tender-stage engineering, specifications, detailed engineering-stage design, and refurbishment and review engineering, as well as project management of hydropower projects from concept to commissioning.

“I am very pleased and excited to join one of the world’s leading power and water consulting firms,” said Mr Goyal. “I’m looking forward to applying my skills and experience to support the ongoing development of a safe, sustainable and successful hydropower sector across India and our neighboring countries.”

Before joining Entura, Mr Goyal was Lead Civil Engineer at Energy Infratech. He has also worked on a range of hydropower projects for the Indian National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. 

He holds a Bachelor in Civil Engineering from MBM Engineering College Jodhpur and a Masters of Engineering (Hydraulics) from the renowned India Institute of Technology Roorkee. He is also a member of the Indian Society of Engineering Geology and the Indian Institution of Engineers.

Entura is one of the leading consultants in dispatchable renewables in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farms, energy storage and grid connection. The firm has been working with clients around the globe on many international hydropower projects over the past decades. Recent projects in the South Asia region include Chanju-I, Pareng and Keyi hydropower projects in India, and Dordi Khola and Khani Khola in Nepal.  

Entura appointed Owner’s Engineer for Kidston dispatchable renewables hub

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura has been engaged by Genex Power to deliver Owner’s Engineer services for Stage 2 of the 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and the 270 MW Kidston Solar Project.

Located in North Queensland, Australia, the two projects are the flagships of the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub, which will integrate large-scale solar with pumped hydro energy storage. A 50 MW solar farm is already in operation on the site.

Entura previously completed the Technical Feasibility Study for the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, focusing on optimising the project to achieve a design which was technically and commercially feasible.

“We’re pleased to have Entura on board again, working closely with our team to support the delivery of the Kidston Stage 2 projects,” said James Harding, CEO of Genex Power. “Entura’s wealth of experience and capability in hybrid renewables and hydropower, along with intimate knowledge of the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, makes them the ideal partner to enable the success of our projects.”

As Owner’s Engineer, Entura will play a vital role in ensuring timely, quality outcomes for Genex Power during the construction phase of these projects, working closely with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors McConnell Dowell, John Holland and UGL. Entura’s scope includes a review of activities (detailed design and engineering verification, review of EPC contractors’ plans, and grid connection arrangement), project management, construction and commissioning advice.

Commenting on the appointment, Entura Managing Director, Tammy Chu, said: “As believers in dispatchable renewables we have tuned our capabilities accordingly, especially in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farm developments, combining these with very strong power systems and grid connection capability.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Genex Power to help them deliver their vision to combine pumped hydro energy storage with solar PV and, in due course, wind power.”

Entura is one of the leading consultants in dispatchable renewables in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farms, energy storage and grid connection. The firm works with clients to help tackle the challenges of creating hybrid renewable energy projects, from grid-connected and utility-scale to small, isolated systems.