Loss of Power risk remediation project – Olympic Dam substation (275kV)

Client

BHP

Project duration

2022-2023

Delivery timeframe

12 months

Mining and Resources
Utilities

Enerven successfully delivered the Loss of Power Risk Remediation project at BHP’s Olympic Dam, ensuring the site’s ongoing power reliability by replacing aging infrastructure with modern, high-capacity transformers and associated systems.

The customer

Olympic Dam, located 560 kilometres north of Adelaide, South Australia, is a key part of BHP’s Minerals Australia operations. The site includes both underground and surface operations, along with a fully integrated processing facility from ore to metal.

“By installing two new transformers and integrating them seamlessly into existing infrastructure, the Loss of Power Risk Remediation project ensures reliable power supply for BHP's Olympic Dam operations.”

The opportunity

The Loss of Power Risk Remediation project was critical to ensuring reliable power supply for BHP’s Olympic Dam operations. Enerven was engaged to design, construct, and commission two new 132/11kV transformers at the Olympic Dam North (ODN) 132kV Switchyard, replacing two end-of-life transformers. Additionally, a spare 132/11kV transformer was installed in the West Switchyard, providing redundancy for any of the eight existing transformers onsite.

The project also included modifications to key infrastructure, such as control room systems and switchyard equipment, to support the seamless installation and commissioning of the new transformers.

Off the back of this project’s success, Enerven was awarded the contract for BHP’s Sustaining Surface Power (SSP) Project, further cementing its role as a trusted delivery partner for BHP.

The solution

Key works delivered by Enerven:

general earthworks and civil works to prepare for bus extension and two new transformer bays, including the establishment of drainage systems
civil works for footings, bunds, and associated structures to support the new transformers
installation of two new 132/11kV 36MVA transformers with associated bunds, earth grids, and firewalls
construction and installation of primary equipment to connect new transformers and extend the existing bus
installation and commissioning of new PLC hardware to integrate additional SCADA points into existing systems
coordination and execution of system commissioning during planned shutdown windows, minimising operational disruption.

Why Enerven?

Our experience in the market place, combined with the expertise and industry knowledge of our team, makes Enerven’s offering second to none – which is why industry leaders such as Electranet, Transgrid, AGL and BHP Billiton trust Enerven with their energy infrastructure assets.

We invest heavily in the best equipment and the professional development of our staff, which means we combine experience and history with innovation and technology to deliver solutions that address the evolving energy distribution requirements of the community.

With a strong supplier and partner network behind us, our highly skilled staff work closely with you to fully understand your specific needs and vision, and will tailor a solution to suit.

Delivering the highest standard of work in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner is our top priority, and we have an outstanding track record to prove it. We focus on building long-term relationships with our clients, we’re committed to working with you for the lifecycle of your project and beyond.

Find out how Enerven can help on your next project.