ABB to provide substation upgrade solution for WA power station

ABB has received a multimillion-dollar contract to provide a substation upgrade solution for connecting the transmission grid to the new 150 MW combined cycle gas power station currently under construction in South Hedland, Western Australia. TransAlta, the power station builder, operator and owner, placed the order in the fourth quarter of 2014.

ABB will design, engineer, supply and commission the substation upgrade and provide the following equipment: air-insulated switchgear, 11/220 kV generator transformer, protection and substation automation modifications. Fitting out a new bay within the existing 220 kV switchyard to incorporate the new 11/220 kV generator transformer and associated infrastructure works forms part of the scope of works.

The upgraded substation will enable TransAlta’s new South Hedland Power Station (SHPS) to supply electricity to Fortescue Metals Group and Horizon Power, a state-owned utility in the Pilbara.

Currently the South Headland Temporary Generation plant installation, owned by Horizon Power, consists of a number of temporary open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) power generation units, associated equipment and 220 kV high-voltage substation facilities. The existing facilities are to be augmented and integrated into the new permanent power generation and power export facilities to meet the operating requirements of the new TransAlta power station.

The substation augmentation project is scheduled for completion in early 2016.

“The selection of an ABB engineered solution for this substation augmentation project is an excellent result as it will provide reliable bulk power capacity and facilitate access to electricity for residential and industry consumers in this remote Pilbara region,” said Markus John, ABB’s substation business unit manager for Australia.

Image: 3D image of existing switchyard.