Clarke Energy, GE’s authorised distributor of Jenbacher reciprocating engines in Australia in conjunction with Diamantina Power Station (DPS) has today celebrated practical completion of the supply and installation of the country’s first highly efficient 2.6 megawatt GE 616 Diesel. The 616D will provide “black-start” capability to allow the plant to return to service in the event of a system outage.
The DPS site, which is owned by APA Group, includes a 242-MW natural gas combined-cycle power station and the adjacent, 60-MW Leichhardt Power Station (LPS)—an open cycle, dual-fuelled gas turbine plant that provides backup power with “black start capabilities.” The need for the 616D unit is to ensure that black start is available under any circumstance as the loss of this facility would impose serious difficulties for the region in the event of a system black out.
“We selected Clarke Energy to supply and install the black start capability due to the high reliability of GE’s 616 diesel engine and local presence of Clarke Energy,” said DPS Manager Mark Magnowski. “This project will help secure the current and future power supply needs of North West Queensland.”
Clarke Energy’s team lead by Project Manager Sean Mahood completed a total of 3625 on-site man hour’s Injury and Incident Free and delivered the project ahead of schedule. These outstanding achievements are also acknowledged by DPS Superintendent Albert Shelley.
“DPS and I personally appreciate the efforts of you and your support teams at Clarke Energy with bringing this project to a safe and timely practical completion”.