Siemens Australia has cemented its standing as a world leader in the delivery of innovative solutions for sustainable and efficient energy supply. Recently awarded the $10 million Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) contract, Siemens is delivering the turnkey solution for electricity distribution at the new coal export terminal being constructed at Newcastle Port, Kooragang Island, in New South Wales.
Newcastle Port is the largest coal export harbour in the world. A third coal export terminal is being constructed, including new rail receival facilities, stockyards and shiploading facilities to meet the demand for coal from other countries such as China.
Siemens Vice President of Power Transmission and Power Distribution, Steve Robinson explained the magnitude of this internationally significant project.
“Siemens scope is to supply, deliver and install 33kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and11 kV air insulated Simoprime switchgear combined with a number of dry transformers.
“With GIS being significantly smaller in size than air insulated switchgear at 33kV, Siemens was able to offer the customer a more compact solution, reducing the size of the land required for the switch rooms.
“This equipment will be installed into prefabricated buildings off-site in Brisbane, transported by road and delivered to site complete with all internal fit-out in around July/September 2009. This is of excellent benefit to the customer, as it will minimise the time and manpower required on site by Siemens personnel and contractors.
“NCIG Corporation comprises the six major Hunter Valley coal producers. Siemens contributions to the new $1 billion coal export terminal will enable NCIG to accommodate increased coal production from the region and to meet the rapid growth in demand for coal exports during the next five to ten years, with numerous expansions and development of projects already approved by the government.
“This is just another example of how Siemens delivers. Our breadth of offerings from power generation, transmission and distribution, along with our proven expertise, allows us to provide end-to-end energy solutions to meet the growing needs of the local market here in Australia.”
NCIG includes Hunter Valley Energy Coal (BHPB), Centennial Coal, Peabody Australia, Donaldson Coal, Whitehaven Coal and Felix Resources.
The CET has been designed for staged construction starting at 30 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) (Stage One), with the possibility for further expansion. Stage One of the terminal is planned to commence operation in early 2010.
Coal will be delivered by rail to a new unloading facility, then transported by conveyor system to stockpiles, from where it will be reclaimed for loading to ships.
Connell Hatch (a Joint Venture between Connell Wagner Pty Ltd and Hatch Associates Pty Ltd) has been engaged by NCIG, to act as the superintendant for this project.
The project is expected to create up to 1,000 extra jobs in the Hunter Valley and will boost GDP by $4.5 billion per year, as well as increase exports by $4 billion.