Murra Warra II Wind Farm
Client: General Electric
Location: Victoria, Australia
Date: 2022 - 2023
Providing hold point testing, GPS compliance assessment and R2 model validation services for successful connection of a 209 MW wind farm
Background
To enable Australia’s renewable energy transition, we need more clean, renewable energy to be connected to the grid. Advancing this transition is Murra Warra II Wind Farm (MWIIWF), located in Western Victoria, 25 km north of Horsham. The wind farm comprises 38 x 5.5 MW GE wind turbine generators with a combined capacity of 209 MW at its point of connection (POC).
Entura supported our client, General Electric (GE), to meet the essential regulatory requirements to facilitate the wind farm’s development. This includes R2 model validation, which entails validating generation system data on site, both during and following commissioning, to ensure the performance and behaviour of the installed system matches the model. Entura also conducted hold point testing and GPS compliance assessments to support the wind farm’s successful connection to the grid.
Solution
General Electric engaged Entura to provide support throughout the testing and R2 model validation phases of the project. Entura developed the test procedure in alignment with the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) requirements, which includes establishing several hold points where the generating system output is constrained to a pre-defined megawatt level during commissioning. A test report is required for each hold point, which is submitted to AEMO and the relevant network service provider for review and approval, before continuing further commissioning activities. This process enables staged capacity release in a controlled manner, and involves a varying number of hold points, depending on the size of the generating system.
Entura conducted pre-test simulations for each hold point to confirm the anticipated wind farm responses were safe and likely to meet performance requirements. Any potential areas requiring heightened operational focus were highlighted during the testing. Preparation of load profiles and test schedules prior to testing allowed for smooth and efficient completion. Drawing on our library of standardised analysis and assessment tools, as well as our familiarity with hold point and R2 model testing,
Entura conducted the assessment in a time-effective manner. We seamlessly delivered appropriate checks and compliance assessments for each hold point, allowing the wind farm to increase generation output for the next hold point level.
Entura’s pragmatic approach included preliminary model overlays at each hold point rather than undertaking all model overlays later in the project at the R2 stage. This enabled early identification of any emerging challenges around model accuracy, which allowed smooth progress through individual hold point testing, with the full model validation undertaken during the R2 phase.
Services provided
- Test procedure development
- Pre-test simulations
- Load profiles and test schedules
- Generator Performance Standards compliance assessments (GPS)
- R2 model validation
Outcomes
Entura’s expertise and experience in GPS compliance assessments and model validation were key to delivering this project successfully. Our R2 model validation report clearly demonstrated satisfactory model performance and accuracy in line with AEMO’s power system modelling guidelines. The report was delivered in a timely manner and subsequently received smooth approvals from AEMO, building on Entura’s strong record of delivering high-quality testing and validation work that meets all regulatory requirements.
Close collaboration between GE and Entura throughout the hold point testing and R2 model validation phases ensured that Murra Warra II Wind Farm gained approval for commercial operation at full output in early 2023. The wind farm is expected to generate enough energy to power more than 175,000 homes and prevent an estimated 640,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The project, and Entura’s role in it, supports Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels and towards more affordable, sustainable and reliable electricity.
