In a digital world, fast and reliable internet is more important than ever – but providing this service in built-up areas without disturbing local communities can be a challenge. The rollout of the national broadband network (nbn) continues to bring phone and internet infrastructure up to speed with the needs of modern Australia. Conducting these works in established areas with [...]
Uncoordinated street works can compromise asset integrity and create additional challenges for underground utility renewals. Asset management is a never-ending commitment. Every day, utilities across Australia need to dig up roads to construct or replace critical infrastructure that delivers the essential services we all depend on. At the same time, councils and other road authorities are conducting vital re-sheeting, re-paving and [...]
Stage 1 of the 1333MW Golden Plains Wind Farm has commenced operations, while a new acquisition is set to drive the project’s second stage. The first turbines have started spinning at the 756MW Stage 1 of TagEnergy’s $4 billion mega-project, which is expected to eventually deliver nine per cent of Victoria’s energy – enough to power 765,000 homes, or every [...]
An almost $26 million joint investment from the Federal and Queensland governments will support key improvements to Cherbourg’s water infrastructure. A more sustainable, secure and safe drinking water supply is on the way for the 1800 residents of Cherbourg, with Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council to receive a major upgrade to water supply infrastructure and services. The almost $26 million project [...]
Yarra Valley Water has announced the completion of a new recycled water main in Croydon, marking a significant milestone as one of Australia’s first recycled water offset pilots. The 300m water main will benefit the Maroondah community by delivering high-quality recycled water to green spaces, including the Barngeong Reserve sporting oval. It’s expected to save the council approximately three million [...]
Essential Energy has been recognised on the 2024 Financial Review BOSS Most Innovative Companies list for its groundbreaking work on Australia’s first fully integrated streetlight electric vehicle (EV) charger. Along with being named one of the Most Innovative Companies for 2024 in the Agriculture, Mining, Energy & Utilities, Future Ready Award category, Essential Energy was also awarded the special distinction, [...]
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is seeking stakeholder feedback on its draft decision for APA Group’s South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP) form of regulation review. The draft decision is that the SWQP should remain a non-scheme pipeline, subject to lighter handed regulation. The AER said that it has found the benefits of scheme regulation do not outweigh the increased costs of [...]
Tough, mixed-ground conditions pose huge challenges for microtunnelling equipment, but Australian innovation can help deliver these tricky projects on time. Mixed terrains, hard rock, and water-saturated soil are some of the most difficult conditions that microtunnelling contractors face, with many projects often deemed too challenging to complete. To tackle these impossible projects, Edge Underground – a leader in microtunnelling and [...]
Cranes serve a vital role in delivering utility assets, but without properly trained operators, these machines can pose a risk to budgets, timelines and safety. Safety is paramount on any worksite, particularly in construction, where powered equipment, heavy materials and other hazards are commonplace. Quinlan Cranes Founder and Director, Tom Quinlan, explained that one of the biggest safety concerns on a [...]
The first battery units have been installed at Synergy’s $1.6 billion Collie BESS (battery energy storage system), which is set to be one of the largest in Australia. The Collie BESS is schedule to be connected to the grid in 2025, and once complete will provide 500MW of power and 2000MW/h of storage. That means the battery will be able [...]
SA Water has begun work to install around 759m of new water main at Rowland Flat, in an effort to provide a continued reliable supply of water for local homes and businesses. The new pipe, which is being laid beneath Steingarten Road, is among more than 242,000m of pipeline going into the ground as part of SA Water’s four-year, $287 [...]
The National Water Grid Authority is backing South East Water’s Western Port Recycled Water Scheme with a $46 million investment. The $113 million Western Port Recycled Water Scheme is jointly funded by the Federal Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Victorian Government through South East Water. Once complete, the project will supply 4000ML of Class A recycled water to [...]
Snowy Hydro has amended the planning modification for Hunter Power Project (HPP), with the project set to begin operations in December 2024 with one generator running on diesel during the testing and commissioning phase. The second unit and gas introduction will follow shortly afterwards, with full operations expected within a few months of commencement. Snowy Hydro said that while [...]
In a joint venture with an established operator, Stanwell is set to acquire the Cressbrook Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Project from developer, BE Power. Located at Lake Cressbrook, 64km south of Stanwell’s Tarong power stations and 45km north-east of Toowoomba, the pumped hydro facility will generate 400MW of clean energy for up to ten hours. The proposed project is [...]
The Victorian Government has given renewable energy developer BrightNight the green light to begin construction on the $700 million Mortlake Energy Hub in the state’s south-west. The project will combine a 360MW solar energy facility with a 300MW battery energy storage system, capable of powering 140,000 homes and cutting emissions by 41.4 million tonnes annually. The project is expected to [...]
South Australian households have been invited to participate in an energy-smart trial to save money on their energy bills. The $13.8 million program is being led by SA Power Networks, who contributed $2.8 million to the initiative. It will bring together a unique group of industry partners, selected for their expertise in their respective fields. The Energy Masters program was [...]
The Victorian Government is investing in new technology at the Fotowatio Renewable Ventures’ Terang Battery Energy Storage System to build Victoria’s renewable energy future. The project includes a 100MW/200MW/h battery and grid forming inverter, which was made possible through a $7 million investment as part of Round 2 of the Energy Innovation Fund. The project will include 38 inverters and [...]
Hunter Water’s Balickera Water Pump Station has received the first electricity from its 3.1MW solar farm, helping power the station’s large pumps and other water assets. The renewable energy initiative is now complete, bringing Hunter Water’s total renewable energy generation to more than 6MW. The installation involved approximately 5500 ground-mounted solar panels over 3 ha adjacent to Balickera Pump Station, [...]
Pacific Energy and Horizon Power have signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to provide electricity to the coastal Gascoyne community as part of efforts to decarbonise one of Western Australia’s key tourist destinations. Under the agreement, Horizon Power will provide power to Exmouth with a mix of large-scale and rooftop solar, battery storage, and, only when needed, gas-fired generation. [...]
CitiPower customers will now have access to more detailed information about unplanned outages affecting their property as part of a the electricity distributor’s new trial. Under the trial, when an unplanned outage occurs, affected customers will receive extra information including the repair crew's estimated arrival time, fault location and repair status. This builds on CitiPower’s existing outage communications, which provides [...]
More than 100 truckloads of concrete have been poured to create the base for the first of two water storage reservoirs as the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) continues to take shape. This important work required 1500m3 of concrete, using two batching plants located in Gladstone and Calliope, operating over two 12-hour days. Local workers ensured the success of the pour, which was [...]
Stanwell has signed a deal with renewable energy developer RES to own the 436.5MW Tarong West Wind Farm in South Burnett, Queensland. The project, which recently received development approval, will feature 97 wind turbines and produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 230,000 homes. A final investment decision is expected in early 2025. Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke, [...]
The $740 million Boulder Creek Wind Farm has reached financial close, with CS Energy securing a 50 per cent stake in the project. The 228MW wind farm will be located 40km south-west of Rockhampton, and construction is scheduled to commence in November 2024. CS Energy will co-own the Boulder Creek Wind Farm in a joint venture with Aula Energy and [...]
The $60 million Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Duplication project is now complete. The almost 10km pipeline is a key piece of infrastructure for the region, and supplies approximately 85 per cent of Townsville’s water. The Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Duplication project was jointly funded by the Miles Labor Government and [...]
The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has approved Powercor’s transmission licence application, following extensive stakeholder and community consultation. The licence allows Powercor to design and build new terminal station infrastructure within its current distribution footprint across western, central, and northern Victoria. Powercor CEO, Tim Rourke, said the ESC’s decision was a great outcome for Victorians and would provide significant benefits for [...]
Construction of CopperString 2032’s second workforce accommodation site in Richmond has commenced. Once completed, the 840km transmission line will unlock the $500 billion North West Minerals Province and one of the largest Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in the country. A ceremony was held in Richmond to mark the milestone, which included local school children turning the first sod – [...]
EnergyCo has opened registrations for the community reference groups for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project. The two community reference groups will be established for the project to represent communities in the REZ, as well as communities between the REZ and Bayswater in the south, near Muswellbrook. The community reference groups will provide a unique opportunity for local [...]
TasWater is gearing up to commence its largest sewerage infrastructure investment to date, with community engagement for the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project now underway. This project will transform the way Hobart’s sewage is managed, unlocking potential for further development in the city and improving the health of the Derwent River. TasWater General Manager Project Delivery, Tony Willmott, said [...]
EnergyAustralia has entered into a ten-year renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with TagEnergy, for a significant share of energy capacity from the Golden Plains Wind Farm – which is set to become the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere. The agreement will provide EnergyAustralia with around 40 per cent offtake, or up to 345MW, of Stage 2’s 577MW capacity, [...]
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Skytech rocks the suburbs without disruption October 11, 2024
In a digital world, fast and reliable internet is more important than ever – b...
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Solving the impossible October 9, 2024
Tough, mixed-ground conditions pose huge challenges for microtunnelling equipmen...
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Reconciliation with purpose October 9, 2024
Interflow has partnered with GO Foundation in its goal to improve lives with act...
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Lifting the bar for worksite safety October 9, 2024
Cranes serve a vital role in delivering utility assets, but without properly tra...
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Preparing for a digital tomorrow October 9, 2024
As technology advances and consumers’ needs evolve, it’s important that new ...
