Since 2005, ERM Power has added more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner gas-generated electricity into the Australian electricity grid. The company’s latest project, the Braemar 2 Power Station, will provide three per cent of the combined electricity requirements of Queensland and New South Wales.

Firm foundations

In May 2007, ERM formed an equal partnership with Arrow Energy to develop the Braemar 2 Power Station. Construction of the project, located adjacent to the existing Braemar 1 substation, approximately 30 kilometres west of Dalby in Queensland, commenced in December 2007.

The 450 MW power station – consisting of three Siemens 150 MW open-cycle gas turbines – is to be commissioned in May. The first gas turbine has been fired with gas and will commence supplying energy to the Queensland grid shortly. The second and third units will follow with all units available to supply power to the grid in June.

The 110 km high-pressure gas pipeline has also been completed, and gas from Arrow's and Origin Energy’s nearby coal seam gas fields has been introduced to the station. The plant will have the capability to operate as a peaking, shoulder or base load generator by making use of its large gas storage capacity and long term gas supply contracts. The Braemar 2 Power Station is expected to be commissioned and ready to begin operations in May 2009.

Major challenges

ERM said that a major challenge presented by the project was accommodating the workforce close to the power station site and pipeline right of way. Construction camps were used by the primary contractor, Bilfinger Berger Services (BBS), and the pipeline contractor, Delco Australia, to successfully overcome the issue. In addition, the company said that working on the site in close proximity to the operating Braemar 1 substation required close co-ordination with the operating power station.

However, many technical challenges were bypassed altogether as ERM, Siemens and BBS brought their learning, experience and personnel from the recently completed 640 MW Uranquinty Power Station, located in New South Wales. Problem areas indentified from Uranquinty were closely monitored to mitigate the impact at Braemar 2, ensuring efficient construction.

Benefiting the community

It is estimated that the Braemar 2 project will bring $60 million into the local area. Meanwhile, the project’s flow-on benefits have already reached the community with on site personnel peaking at 300 people and a further 15 permanent jobs anticipated when the power station is in commercial operation. BBS also endeavoured to use local suppliers wherever possible. In addition, ERM undertook extensive consultation with federal, state and local governments during the permitting and approvals process for the power station. The company said that as the mid-year commercial operating date approaches, both local government and community involvement will ramp up again.

Safety first

The Braemar 2 partnership is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner that is mutually beneficial for the communities in which it operates. ERM aspires to a ‘Zero Harm and Zero Loss’ culture, where care for people and the planet are put first, closely followed by value creation and resource efficiency.

To achieve these goals BBS, under the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, prepared and adopted construction safety plans; work method statements for high risk construction activities; ensured site specific inductions were provided; and, conducted risk assessment to ensure that the plant was free of health and safety hazards, as well as carrying out audits to confirm procedural compliance with the approved safety plan.

Future projects

ERM said that plans are well advanced for the establishment of its proposed 640 MW open-cycle gas-fired power station, located near Dubbo in central western New South Wales. The company said that the Wellington Power Station will use the best available technology to produce electricity efficiently and cleanly to help meet the state’s demand for electricity and contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions. Financial close of the project is expected by the end of 2009, with commercial operation beginning late 2011.

ERM is also planning the construction of the Braemar 3 Power Station, designed as a replica of its forerunner, Braemar 2. The Braemar 3 project will likewise involve the development of an integrated 450 MW open cycle gas-fired power station and high pressure gas pipeline network. It will be located adjacent to the Braemar 1 and Braemar 2 power stations. ERM, as sole proprietor, has gained development approval and said that the project is now effectively ready to execute.

Braemar 3 will have the capability to operate as a peaking, shoulder or base load generator, and is set to supply cleaner electricity to around 45,000 homes, aiding the reduction of Queensland’s carbon emissions intensity. Financial close of the project will occur in 2009 with operation expected from late 2011.