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WWW.ELECTRICALCONNECTION.COM.AU AUTUMN 2021
LEADING THE
CHARGE WITH
LITHIUM ION
RENAISSANCE ONE PUTS
AUSTRALIA ON THE MAP INSIDE:
SOLAR & BATTERY
MEMBERS PLAN
AN EYE ON SOLAR
INVERTERS
AVOIDING FUTURE
DEATH TRAPS
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
10 LEADING THE CHARGE
An ambitious new factory in
Tomago, NSW aims to put Australia
on the map for manufacturing hot
weather optimised batteries. Anna
Hayes found out more.
10
FEATURES
16 A WINNING FORMULA FOR 30 SWITCHING IT UP
REMOTE COMMUNITIES ‘Going green’ is a big priority
Aurecon’s breakthrough water for companies and Schneider
security innovation for remote Electric has taken a big step
16
communities wins global towards reducing greenhouse
engineering award. gases with its new digital
switchgear.
20 GET YOUR HANDS ON THE VPP
Sunbank Solar and Members REGULARS
Energy has built the largest
virtual power plant (VPP), giving 06 Editorial
users the cheapest and greenest 08 Industry news
form of energy. Sean Carroll
42 Solar smarts
writes.
46 Estimating
28
24 AVOIDING FUTURE DEATH TRAPS 50 Apprentice corner
Peter Vandenheuvel recounts a
tragic story where not one, but
52 NECA news
two fatal deaths occurred by 81 Trade stuff
electrocution, and explores ways
to ensure minimal chances of
similar occurring in the future.
28 I’LL FOLLOW THE SUN
A Queensland solar farm has
installed a Nextracker solution
which, just like the Beatles song 66 HEALTH
30
title implies, follows the sun. Sean
Carroll finds out more. 70 BUSINESS
74 TRANSPORT
4 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021
EDITORIAL
HEAR, HEAR TO A
NEW YEAR www.electricalconnection.com.au
T
hings are really beginning to sources. While some may feel a sense GENERAL MANAGER
Jeremy Sweet
look up as I sit to write this and of uneasiness because of the fear of jeremysweet@build.com.au
take a moment to reflect on the the unknown, I think it’s important
EDITOR
year that was 2020. to understand that a lot of these Justin Felix
At the time of writing I have just developments and mindset shifts are 03 9542 9024
justinfelix@build.com.au
returned from a weekend away in actually cause for celebration.
Victoria’s Apollo Bay. While that in New government targets and EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Jeff Patchell
itself is fairly insignificant, it’s the objectives into the renewable sector jeff patchell@build.com.au
first time I’d been able to escape will create many jobs for electrical
STAFF WRITERS
Melbourne and the big smoke, in contractors, and whether you are Anna Hayes, Sean Carroll
search of ocean breezes and a change currently working in the space or not, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
of scenery. your skill sets will be critical to ensure Sam Elliott
Upon approaching the picturesque the adoption and implementation of ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER
coastal town, we were greeted by a such initiatives become a reality. Tracey Glanville
sign emblazoned with the following As you’ll see in this issue, we’ve SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER
words: ‘Welcome back Melbourne. covered a number of exciting Brigitta Novosell
03 9542 9005
Good job, well done’. And we couldn’t renewable projects on the
all help but turn to one another and horizon, around the country, and CONTRIBUTORS
Phil Kreveld, James Tinslay, Brian Seymour,
feel a touch emotional, and of course in each instance highlighted the Peter Vandenheuvel, Dr Kieran Kennedy
thankful that – fingers crossed – the opportunities that abound for
ADVERTISING
worst of it is behind us now. contractors and small businesses. Jeremy Sweet 0408 525 675
With that in mind, I think we can jeremysweet@build.com.au
all breathe a collective sigh of relief NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS TO SUBSCRIBE 1800 623 214
Australia 03 9542 9000
that the building and construction If 2020 taught me anything, it was
New Zealand +61 3 9542 9000
industry is, and always will be, the importance of spending more Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090
considered an essential service. time outdoors and enjoying Mother
While many unfortunately lost their Nature and as a result, I’m leaving
jobs and the likes of apprenticeship my post as editor at Lanella Media
numbers dropped, we’re looking on and jumping back into the fishing and
www.facebook.com/tradieconnection
course to bounce back rather quickly outdoor industry.
when compared to other industries. With that being said, I’d like to www.linkedin.com/in/electrical-connection/
To those small businesses that introduce your new editor, Sean
weathered the storm of uncertainty Carroll. Sean’s been with us for a www.twitter.com/ElectricCXNMag
and adapted on the go, we salute your couple of years now and has proven
tenacity and resilience and think it’s to be abit of a young gun, so the By mail, please write to the address below
something to be extremely proud of. publication will be left in good hands PUBLISHED BY:
And to those who didn’t fare as well, and a fresh perspective. Lanella Media Pty Ltd
2/18-22 Lexia Place,
or lost their jobs and businesses, our If you’d like to get in touch
Mulgrave, VIC 3170
hearts go out to you and we wish you with Sean, he can be reached at AUSTRALIA
ISSN 1839-2288
the very best this year and into the seancarroll@build.com.au.
future. Stay brave, remain focussed
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do
and don’t be afraid to reach out and not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although
ask for help! all materials are checked for accuracy, no liability is
assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use
From our industry’s perspective, Enjoy the read of material in this magazine. Copyright 2021 by Lanella
Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
one can’t help but be bombarded may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
by terms such as renewable, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)
sustainability and alternative energy Justin Felix without the prior permission of Lanella Media.
6 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021
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INDUSTRY NEWS
HOW TO ‘SCAVENGE’ POWER FROM H2U EYRE PENINSULA GATEWAY region to power the electrolyser which
OUR SURROUNDINGS HYDROGEN PROJECT: THE WORLD’S splits water into hydrogen and oxygen
Researchers at Flinders University, LARGEST GREEN AMMONIA PLANT gas. A further process using nitrogen
South Australia are looking at ways The H2U Eyre Peninsula Gateway is used to make green ammonia.
to scavenge invisible power from Hydrogen Project has received a It will also boast two 16MW open
low-frequency vibrations in the boost from the South Australian cycle gas turbines operating 100%
surrounding environments, including government, helping it become the on hydrogen at the site to provide
wind, air or static electricity. world’s largest green ammonia plant. electricity generation to the grid
It aims to create an energy It will include the installation of a during periods of low wind or solar
source that doesn’t need a wireless 75MW electrolyser near the regional output.
or mains power source with city of Whyalla which is capable of “[The project] offers the opportunity
applications like a pacemaker that can producing enough hydrogen to create to export South Australia’s abundant
work with inbuilt organic sources in 40,000 tonnes of ammonia yearly. solar and wind resources to support
the human body. With the recent round of funding deep decarbonisation in the global
“These so-called triboelectric collecting $37 million, the project will energy, industrial and shipping
nanogenerators (or ‘TENGs’) can upgrade the nearby Port Bonython sectors,” H2U chief executive Dr Attilio
be made at low cost in different jetty as part of the plan to become Pigneri says.
configurations, making them suitable and exporter of green energy to world “In the energy sector, Japan is
for driving small electronics such markets. It comes just a week after leading the way with their plan to
as personal electronics like mobile the state launched the SA Hydrogen introduce green ammonia as a
phones, biomechanics devices in Action Plan, which identified Port substitute fuel, to help meet its
pacemakers, sensors (temperature/ Bonython as a key hub. decarbonisation targets.”
pressure/chemical) and more,” The H2U plant will use 100% wind The project is targeting completion
Flinders University college of science and solar power generated in the by late 2022.
and engineering professor Youhong
Tang says.
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8 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021
INDUSTRY NEWS
AGL UNVEILS PLANS FOR GRID-SCALE when our customers and communities
BATTERY IN SA need it.”
AGL has announced it will develop a He adds that the announcement
grid-scale battery in South Australia is another example of AGL delivering
as part of its plans to roll-out 850MW against its own climate statement
of energy storage across the NEM by commitments, aiming to achieve net
2024. zero emissions by 2050.
Built in stages, the battery will be “We know in order to achieve
located on the site of the Torrens this target, investment in large
Island Power Station, with a capacity scale energy storage like grid-scale
up to 250MW and a duration of up to batteries is critical,” he says.
four hours. South Australian energy minister
AGL chief executive officer and Dan van Holst Pellekaan welcomes
managing director Brett Redman says “Wind generation is a major source the announcement and said the state
AGL was getting on with the business of energy in South Australia and to is fast-tracking this huge battery by
of energy transition and this new ensure its reliability AGL is committed granting a planning exemption to AGL
battery, to be located at Torrens Island to delivering more firming capacity, at the existing Torrens Island site:
Power Station will play a leading role last year opening the AGL Barker Inlet “The battery will help in our efforts
in South Australia’s energy generation: Power Station.” to restore the South Australian grid
“With more renewable generation “This battery is another step in the to strength as it is located at a key
than any other state, South Australia state’s energy transition while at the location in our grid and will help SA
has been a leading contributor to same time allowing a rapid response meet our aspiration of net-100%
Australia’s low-emissions future. to changes in renewable generation renewable energy.
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COVER STORY
BATTERY POWER
LEADING THE
CHARGE
AN AMBITIOUS NEW FACTORY IN TOMAGO, NSW AIMS TO PUT
AUSTRALIA ON THE MAP FOR MANUFACTURING HOT WEATHER
OPTIMISED BATTERIES. ANNA HAYES FOUND OUT MORE.
S
ustainability is the ‘mot du jour’ aff ordable batteries that are, crucially, Brian explains that lithium ion batteries
these days, with renewable optimised to perform in hot climates are optimised for temperatures up to 25
energy technologies becoming and will kick-start a new export market degrees and that, for most of the world,
more and more prevalent in a landscape for the country. this isn’t an issue. However, in countries
of ever-diminishing reliance on fossil Brian Craighead is a director at like Australia, India, and most of Asia, 25
fuels. Energy Renaissance and he explains degrees is almost considered chilly by
We are starting to see, if you will, a that the aim is to open Australia’s first comparison to the usual temperatures.
rebirth of how we consume energy and, lithium ion battery manufacturing “The problem with that,” Brian says,
more importantly, where it’s coming facility by next September. “is that you have to add extra cooling,
from. “It’s an advanced manufacturing both when you buy it and to operate
The Hunter region of NSW is one facility so it will be heavily automated it in hotter climates. That’s a price
location to benefi t directly from and these facilities, they start small and penalty you cannot avoid so it becomes
this, with a $28 million battery grow big quickly. I think we will be the expensive to deploy batteries in these
manufacturing facility set to be built in first battery manufacturing initiative places. Lithium ion batteries have a
Tomago in early 2021. in Australia but we hope there will be tendency to catch fire and it’s not just a
Renaissance One is the brainchild of others.” normal fire – the battery creates oxygen
Energy Renaissance, Australia’s first The challenge facing Energy as it burns so it basically keeps going.”
lithium-ion battery manufacturer. Renaissance was that of making lithium He points out that in Australia where
With an initial production capacity of ion batteries safe for use in hotter bigger batteries could often go to very
66MWh per annum, the 4,000 sqm climates, without diminishing on cost remote places, constant maintenance
purpose-built factory will produce safe, eff ectiveness. would be a challenge.
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ektor.com.au #lynk #planyourescapeCOVER STORY
BATTERY POWER
Energy Renaissance aims to open Australia’s first lithium ion battery manufacturing facility by September 2021 The initial
production capacity is anticipated to be 66MWh per annum.
“So we had to completely remove the it is clearly outstripping our capable “There’s a bit of a cultural scar in
fire risk because when you put these supply.” Australia, from failed attempts to
closer to where people live, it becomes That element of home-grown manufacture cars and things in the
an issue more than when they’re in the manufacturing is very important to the 1980s. Many are convinced we can’t
middle of nowhere where folks are used team at Energy Renaissance, not just manufacture here because it’s cheaper
to managing the risk.” because of the availability of all source in other parts of the world. It’s often
It’s expected that more than half of materials locally but also as a sign viewed as something we don’t do very
the factory’s output will be exported of belief in Australian manufacturing well and that is incorrect. The whole
through the Port of Newcastle and Brian which, Brian says, suff ers something of world of manufacturing has moved
is adamant that this industry is one that a sceptical view. on and it’s all very automated and
can create jobs and a niche market for “A big part of it was not to get computer driven now.”
Australia, pointing out that it is, in fact, distracted by the temptation to build So what does this new development
the only country in the world that and manufacture overseas mean for the average sparkie going
has all the materials required and it probably added about their day-to-day work?
to build the batteries. a bit of time Brian believes there are opportunities
“Australia has to the project galore stating that, even though
a trust mark of because it’s not there may be an element of mystery
quality when it easy, it requires a surrounding batteries and what is
comes to products lot more planning. required for installation, the Energy
that do come out It’s much easier to Renaissance batteries will be simple
of here and our say ‘let’s just do it jobs for qualified sparkies.
view is that we will somewhere else’. “We design our batteries so the
export more than standard electrician can maintain them.
we sell domestically. I think the opportunity for electricians
Although, we are really The Renaissance One is enormous because they’re suddenly
surprised by the demand, Super Cube. going to be unlocked to do these things.
12 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021COVER STORY
BATTERY POWER
And it’ll be both design and installation, Brian points to electric cars as
which is going to get a lot simpler, and an example, pointing out that many
also the preparation. I think there’s countries have moved to ban petrol and
probably 20 years of work for sparkies diesel cars by a certain year. He says
in fi tting in charging stations for EVs in such announcements tend to accelerate
every apartment and place, there’s so movement, with people turning to
much infrastructure to build.” electric vehicles quicker than they might
From an environmentalism point have in the past.
of view, Brian points out that these “Every EV needs a lot of batteries. So
technologies are becoming cheaper they’re chewing up all the capacity and
and easier to deploy to the extent that Charging stations will provide plenty of more. You can’t build enough factories
sustainability doesn’t have to be the work for sparkies now and in the future. quick enough just to feed this emerging
main selling point anymore. EV market. So demand is outstripping
“We don’t really talk about the whole supply and will for a long time. And I
mission that we’re on to take big chunks The Federal Government provided a don’t know many markets in Australia
out of the carbon footprint. The reality co-funded grant of $246,625 through where demand is going to outstrip
is that if we build batteries that are the Advanced Manufacturing Growth supply for a long time.”
safer and cheaper and work better, then Centre to Energy Renaissance for He adds that the COVID-19 crisis
everyone’s happy. We get jobs, we make the project. It was used to accelerate helped to focus many minds when it
things and it just so happens that we’re research and development. came to sustainable employment.
doing good things at the same time. The Brian hopes that this support “You’re looking for jobs, you’re looking
market has moved our way.” continues, stressing that theirs was one for growth, you’re looking to export,
What is vital now, Brian believes is of the few industries where Australia and you’re looking for new money in the
that Australian governments get behind could have a massive export impact, economy. Sometimes, you don’t have to
emerging new businesses. particularly as the demand is so great. over think these things.”
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AHH MCCAIN, YOU’VE DONE IT…
McCain’s Foods has installed a renewable energy system at its Ballarat, Victoria site but it’s a bit different
to the status quo. Sean Carroll finds out more.
M
cCain’s Foods has installed
the largest power-behind-
the-meter solar system in
Australia at its Ballarat factory and
when combined with a 1.2MW biomass
project, is a huge step in the renewable
direction for renewable energy at the
factory.
The entire system has 8.6MW of
power generation with around ten
hectares of solar panels which also use
a solar tracking system and a panel
that uses reflected light off the ground
around it, increasing yields by around
7%. This is the largest power-behind-the-meter solar system in Australia and boasts
It’s the largest of its kind for a reason 17,000 solar panels.
and boasts 17,000 solar panels, a
100kW architecturally-designed truck
fl y over and much more. “There has never been a behind-the- around capital and performance and
“It is really a culmination of years meter system this dynamic in Australia, lowers the cost of energy to the business
of experience in both the physical and and we believe it will set a precedent during the day. At the end of the project
financial services that we have been for large-scale projects for other major we give the system to the client.”
developing to help our clients. But processing businesses,” he says. Huon adds that when it comes to
really, it wouldn’t matter if this was just What’s diff erent about is its power- the solar industry for electricians, it’s
a small project, we take pride in them behind-the-meter system. Huon changing very fast and it’s no longer
all,” Smart Commercial Solar managing explains that while it’s not a particularly about hardware. It’s more of a financial
director Huon Hoogester says. new concept, it’ll be the answer to product than the physical one.
The installation is one of many people’s power problems in the future “And so, electricians, what they knew
initiatives from McCain’s Foods’ mission and PPA’s or pay-as-you-go solar. last year about solar or in former years
to reduce its emissions and become “It’s the best way for commercial and about solar is basically out of date. We’re
a more eco-friendly business. McCain industrial clients, for sure, to get their a specialist in the field and what we’re
Foods regional president Australia, New energy bills lowered,” Huon says. hoping is that when they come into a
Zealand, South Africa, India and China “And with the solar farm industry commercial industrial situation, or a,
Louis Wolthers says the project makes a pretty much over, at least for the time or an unusual application for solar, that
significant contribution towards its goal being, it’s the biggest way for people to they would reach out to us,” Huon says.
of being 100% powered by renewables save the most money and be insulated He adds that this power-behind-the-
in 2030. from the energy market is to be putting meter model is only going to increase
power-behind-the-meter.” in the next few years even with the cost
How it works is that Huon and of wholesale energy coming down; the
his company will pay for the solar model will still be cheaper.
installation, he owns and operates it, “Liddell Power Station is going to shut
generating power for the customer down some time in 2021, which will then
which is then fed into the building and force the price back up,” he adds.
he sells it to the customer. “All the while, solar is improving in
“Our product simplifies the decision value, it’s already cheaper and getting
making for the customer. Do they want cheaper. And once we can use batteries
to pay less for their energy? Of course. more eff ectively on the market, not
Do they want to pay more for solar? No simply as ‘behind-the-meter’ supplies,
Smart Commercial Solar managing they don’t,” he says. we can provide storage as a financial
director Huon Hoogester. “Our program removes all the risks product as well.”
14 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021ADC3 becomes ADC9
More of
the same
but better
Hager’s new generation of single module RCBOs, ADC9, keeps
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w w w.elec tricalconnec tion.com.au 15INNOVATION
A WINNING FORMULA FOR REMOTE
COMMUNITIES
Aurecon’s breakthrough water security innovation for remote communities wins global engineering award.
A
n Indigenous community in
the Northern Territory now
has access to affordable and
continuous potable water thanks to
an innovative off-grid, modular water
treatment plant that has won the 2020
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Chris
Binnie Award for Sustainable Water
Management.
Project Gilghi was developed by
international engineering, design and
advisory company Aurecon and Hunter
based electrical engineering company
Ampcontrol. It is a breakthrough solar
powered water treatment plant that
aims to provide safe drinking water to
Indigenous and remote communities
across Australia.
The Chris Binnie Award recognises
and celebrates outstanding civil
engineering achievement in the field
of sustainable water management and
how it has benefited society. Aurecon
Chief Design Officer John McGuire
says he was thrilled to see the project
receiving this prestigious international
recognition.
“Project Gilghi addresses a national
priority – water security for remote
Indigenous communities. The solution
not only meets the challenge by utilising
innovative technology, it also provides Since the installation of Gilghi, the Gillen Bore community has had access to
affordable potable water to a remote permanent, safe and clean drinking water.
community in an environmentally
sustainable way,” John says.
“It’s a highly innovative evolution a novel technological approach; the and low pH levels found in existing bore
of technologies that can significantly integration of the work of water process water.
contribute to reaching the United engineering and electrical engineering The project was enabled by the
Nations Sustainable Development and solar panels was particularly Northern Territory Department of Local
Goal number six, which aims to ensure pleasing. The solution provides a Government, Housing and Community
access to clean water and sanitation for reliable and potable supply of water in Development with a $70,000 Municipal
all by 2030.” a sustainable manner that does not and Essential Services Special Purposes
ICE Water Panel member and Exeter increase CO2 emission,” Chris says. Grant and supported by the client
University visiting Professor Chris Gilghi was deployed in the community Ingkerreke Outstations Resource
Binnie was highly impressed by Gilghi’s of Gillen Bore, which until 2019 relied Services.
value creation and its applicability to a on the continued transport (150km Gilghi can take feed water from
bigger sustainability picture. round trip from Alice Springs) of potable a variety of sources, including
“Gilghi is a genuinely new project with water due to the high salinity, hardness groundwater, rivers, lakes and
16 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021oceans and turns it into drinkable or modified to meet larger supply
water, compliant with Australian requirements in the future with the
Drinking Water Guidelines. For remote same efficiency and cost eff ectiveness.
communities such as Gillen Bore, Gilghi “With the success of Gilghi, there
is designed to off er a complete solution are opportunities to support other
that is operated and maintained by the remote communities in Australia and a
community. range of developing nations around the
Ordinarily, water treatment systems globe where access to the grid or water
run continuously, but Gilghi makes smart sanitation is limited or non-existent,”
use of available solar power to run the Julian says.
plant and charge the batteries during “As we observe impacts of climate
the day. This includes the development change around the world, Gilghi
of a specialist electrical control off ers communities a transition to an
system using multiple power sources alternative water source where local
to reliably purify the water in batches, dams or water tanks have been or are at
before feeding the clean water into the risk of being exhausted.”
community’s reticulation system. Gilghi’s electrical control system. Gilghi recently won a Good Design
Aurecon design director for water Australia Award for Social Impact and
and wastewater treatment Julian the Infrastructure Project Innovation
Briggs says,“We wanted to challenge sustainable power source to challenge category at the 2020 Australian Water
traditional engineering design. Typically, the concept of needing to go to the grid Association NSW Awards. The project
we design the treatment process or rely on diesel-generated power.” is also a 2020 Australian Engineering
first and then think about the energy Given the modular design and rapid Excellence Awards (AEEA) Newcastle
design, but for Gilghi, we came at it plug-and-play capability of the Gilghi Division winner and will compete for the
from both angles so that we could use a solution, the unit can be extended national Sir William Hudson Award.
Ultimate
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QUALITY FLEXIBILITY COMPLIANCE INTELLIGENCE
Enclosure by and featuring w w w.elec tricalconnec tion.com.au 17TENDERS - JASON COONEY
WINNING TENDERS
Energy Industry Tender Competitiveness is heating up and Tsaks Consulting founder Jason Cooney
explains how businesses can improve their bids and proposals to match.
T
he energy market in Australia is to help you secure the tender. One
becoming increasingly complex, example is Victoria. Victoria has a
with renewable energy emerging strong buy local policy and generally
as a political issue, and the challenge a preference for Victorian-based
of addressing each state’s individual companies. Developing a JV with
energy needs becoming increasingly a Victorian-based company can
apparent. increase your prospects of success
The market is heating up with multiple and help you put forward a bid that
competitive contracts being released better conforms to the Victorian buy-
in the renewable energy market as well local criteria.
as the traditional energy markets and ∫ Engage an Australian (or state-based)
a number of multinational companies major sub-contractor. Let’s take the
vying for a piece of the pie. example of a major solar photovoltaic
As usual, price is a key factor for project. You may be committed to take
securing major contracts and industry the project on as a whole and should
contacts and reputation are always explore engaging a qualified sub-
helpful. But with all government contractor. Throughout the tender
contracts going out to tender, what preparation period, leverage on the
about the other key factors? Let’s look experience of your sub-contractor
at how companies are introducing these and include this experience in the bid.
into their tender responses in order to Be sure to talk about the systems Renewable energy initiatives present a
write more winning bids, tenders and and processes you have in place to great opportunity to win tenders.
proposals to secure more government ensure you project manage your own
and private contracts. performance and that of the sub-
contractor effectively. When you regulatory framework to Australia.
A TRACK RECORD OPERATING WITHIN are preparing the tender response, If the contract terms of the project
THE AUSTRALIAN REGULATORY work closely with your proposed were governed under international
ENVIRONMENT sub-contractor (for example a law, it’s also a good idea to reference
Demonstrating a solid, comprehensive photovoltaic installation provider) to this in your response.
track record in Australia is generally introduce their skills and experience
critical to secure a major Australian throughout the tender response. WHOLE OF LIFE COST OF PROJECT
government contract or operational ∫ Talk about the similarities of Innovation and a long-term approach
licence. However, sometimes your previous projects. If your are key to securing contracts in the
international companies have a track previous projects were based energy industry.
record of delivering similar projects in in the Australia-Pacific region, Government and the private sector
the Asia Pacific Region (such as New it’s important to talk about the want to be certain they are being
Zealand). Strategies that can help you similarities of your previous projects provided with a long-term solution that
overcome this issue include: to the project you are bidding for. will stand the test of time. It is critical
∫ Develop a joint venture with a local This shouldn’t be restricted to the that you educate the reader and the
Australian-based company or technical side of the project, but also buyer when writing your bid or tender
even a company in the state you the way it was managed. For example, about the whole of life cost of the
are tendering for. This should be a if the project was completed under project including future maintenance
company with the right track record incentives from the New Zealand costs. For example:
for similar projects, but one that Government and you were required to ∫ Does your photovoltaic project use an
may not have the size or capacity to provide progress reports and updates inverter with an expected life span of
complete the project on their own. It for the appropriate NZ funding 12 rather than 10 years?
generally provides the opportunity to requirements, be sure to reference ∫ Does your proposed solution require
bid for the project and present your this so that you can demonstrate your less maintenance over the longer
experience and expertise combined track record in completing projects term of say 70 years, but a higher up-
with those of the local JV partner in countries that have a similar front cost?
18 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021Where you are proposing a solution They want to know that the project ∫ Provide an orgnisational chart and
that has a lower whole of life cost, but will be managed by the very best and show where your proposed team
a higher initial cost, it’s important to the installation and other contractor fit into the organisational chart.
explain this in detail and incorporate personnel are experts in their fields. Demonstrate that they are getting
the advantages of a lower whole of So what can you do to convince them your A-team by talking about the team
life cost throughout the tender. That of this, aside from providing their CV? members and where they sit. For
means having them as a key win theme example, has one of your best project
and incorporating the benefits of your SOME OPTIONS ARE TO: managers and site managers recently
solution across the technical response, ∫ Include CVs that are detailed and completed a major project, and if so,
program, previous experience sections talk about the previous projects the are they going to be available if you
and executive summary. personnel have delivered and the are successful with the bid? Present
This is often best presented similarities between those projects it as though the timing is right and you
graphically or as an infographic. What is and the project or contract you are have a team that has worked together
critical here is that you don’t shy away looking to secure. in the past on a number of successful
from putting forward a higher price, ∫ In all areas of the response, projects ready to go.
but rather justify the reasons for that include quotes from different team
higher price and clearly articulate the members that are personalised and Lastly, good luck.
advantages of your project and solution, demonstrate their commitment to
particularly over the long-term. the project. For example, include
safety as part of your response. This Jason Cooney is the founder
YOUR PROPOSED TEAM can be in the form of a quote from of Tsaks Consulting (www.
tsaks.com) – a global tender
In order to secure a contract and write your safety officer identifying the and bid writing consultancy
a winning bid, tender or proposal, it’s different areas of concern and what with offices in Australia,
Athens, England and New
important to convince the reader that safety management system will be Zealand.
you are putting forward your A-team. implemented as part of the project.
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w w w.elec tricalconnec tion.com.au 19SOLAR
GET YOUR HANDS ON THE VPP
Sunbank Solar and Members Energy has built the largest virtual power plant (VPP), giving users the
cheapest and greenest form of energy. Sean Carroll writes.
S
unbank Solar has announced the
Solar + Battery Members Plan MEMBERS PLAN MODELLING
through Members Energy which
gives Australians the ability to access
their own trading platform for solar
energy, selling their surplus energy while
also powering their own households.
Solar Service Group chairman Rod
Woolley says the new platform is a game
changer for the solar battery market
and it addresses the key issue of return
of investment (ROI).
“Our modelling indicated that
electricians will see, as a result, many
more solar homeowners opting to have
a solar battery system installed over the
coming years,” he says.
The new plan will give users 100%
of the profi ts. Evergen, in conjunction
with the CSIRO, has built software that
observes the energy market in real time,
letting users pick the optimal time to
sell any access energy they may have
generated with their solar system.
Or on the other side of the coin, they
can also pick the best time to draw
energy from the market, when it’s at its
cheapest.
On days when it’s exceptionally hot, a
lot of people will be using electricity to
power their air conditioning which would
in turn drive up the price of electricity.
When these peak events happen, the
battery system will sell any additional
power your battery may have at a
premium (not cutting into the amount
that your customers will need) and
make money.
Sunbank Solar likens it to the stock “It needs to be appreciated that the like Queensland and Victoria, the FiT
market, except your client is always various feed-in tariff s (FiT) introduced incentive was comparatively generous.
winning: “In summary, it’s like playing in various jurisdictions around Australia But over time, the incentive was going
the stock market with your energy, but were eff ectively first-mover incentives to disappear as more sustainable
always winning as we trade when the that were always intended to be technology applications, like the
market price is higher, and you have a removed, either in whole or in part, once Members Energy Solar + Battery Plan,
minimum feed-in tariff guarantee,” they this nascent industry began to mature entered the market.”
write on their website. commercially,” Rod explains. All this can be activated through the
Also, in light of the Victorian rebate, “At inception around 10-15 years ago, Members Energy app, available on iOS
home owners can get a rebate of up some energy regulators, like the one in or Android. The list of eligible batteries
to $1,888 when purchasing the new NSW, were vigorously opposed to the includes Eveready, Tesla, Hive and Alpha
system. concept; in some other jurisdictions, among others.
20 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021In recent years, the electrical industry,
strong off the push from solar energy
has seen another revenue stream open
with the need for batteries. The Solar
+ Battery Members Plan only serves to
bolster this side of the industry.
Widespread energy storage will
also benefi t far-sighted electricity
companies by reducing demand during
peak power usage periods and giving
them the potential to buy home-stored
energy as a ‘virtual’ on-demand power
source rather than relying on fossil fuel- Solar energy and the installation of batteries will only serve to bolster the
driven peaking gas generators. renewable side of the electrical industry.
Nationally, widespread energy
storage, both at the consumer level and
the grid scale, will help Australia achieve about the returned value of solar batteries It’s getting to a point where
its international carbon reduction that connect to the NEM: “We wanted to homeowners would not only be daft
commitments by time-shifting build a new system where Australians for not up taking solar power, they
renewable energy so it can be used were the winners when it comes to the might even be making a mistake by
24/7, not just when the wind is blowing use of the solar they generate. not. As people see the attraction in
or when the sun is shining. “For too long, the big energy this Solar + Battery Members Plan
Rod explains that customers can see companies have reaped the benefits solution and want to install batteries in
prices drop from as high as $0.60 per kWh of the investment of everyday their residence, they’ll be right on their
to $0.06, helping remove the scepticism homeowners.” phones to the local sparkie for the job.
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w w w.elec tricalconnec tion.com.au 21HIGH VOLTAGE
IF THE GLOVE FITS…
Safety measures and personal protective equipment exists for a reason. Dale West shares John’s story to
further emphasise the point and encourage .
T
he last time I cleaned the shed
out was over fi ve years ago. It’s
incredible how fast gear seems to
pile up.
Rummaging through one box, I found
something I had not seen for a long
time. It was surprising how it aff ected
me. I felt I had to take a seat on an old
20L drum just behind me before I would
end up on the floor.
It was an old, dried up, blackened pair
of leather gloves. As I sat there, alone in
the shed, everything seemed to go quiet
and the walls felt like they were opening
up and left me sitting in a huge open
space.
As I cradled the gloves in my hand,
they softened, the colours opened up,
the crusty blackness faded as my mind
went back to the time I first pulled them
on.
I was very unpopular that day. All
my working life I had worked on high Regardless of the task at hand, it always pays to equip yourself with the correct
voltage equipment, and this day was no PPE, especially HV gloves, as highlighted by John’s story.
diff erent. In fact, it was exceptionally
easy; all I had to do for my first job of the
day was a single point isolation to allow The trainer however, seemed to know to cause a delay, that was the wrong
contractors to access a HV motor. his stuff so, I asked Tony if he would time to do it.
All the usual steps were followed; grab the gauntlets out of the bag for My job and the working relationships
the switching program was written; me. He had a quick dig around in the bag I had on site were important to me and
the permit was prepared, and everyone and came back and said there weren’t it was true, I had done this a thousand
was notified. Yours truly drew the short any. This was not surprising as we never times and nothing has ever happened
straw on a 43 degree day to climb into worried much about them before. but, the gloves are there for a reason.
the 40 Cal suit. “Don’t ever get dragged into Much to everyone’s relief, but with
Tony, my switching assistant for the wearing HV Gloves without the leather palatable annoyance, I found a pair of
day, made sure everything was ship- gauntlets!” kept coming back to me. leather outers and informed them the
shape and all the gear was checked. I To meet the deadline for the start up job would go ahead.
climbed into the arc flash suit and pulled at the beginning of the next shift, the Julie, my wife, answered a call from
my HV gloves on. For some reason, I job had to go ahead as planned. You my mobile, thinking it was me calling her;
recalled what the HV trainer said in my can imagine the kickback I received it was Tony. He told her I had an accident
latest HV course I did just the week when I got out of the suit and started at work and was taken to the hospital
before. looking for a HV kit with a complete set with burns to most of my body. On her
“Don’t ever get dragged into wearing of gloves and told them I would not be way to the hospital, Julie picked up
HV gloves without the leather gauntlets!” switching the motor until I found some. Sarah, our daughter, from high school.
None of us had ever been too The project manager was doing his Two hours later, they were still waiting at
concerned with the leather gloves that nut, the contractors were threatening the hospital reception trying to find out
go over the top of the HV rubber gloves; to call the job off, even my senior what happened and how I was.
it was not as if they are written into the electrical supervisor tore shreds off me I was conscious, in pain, some kind of
site HV procedures so, they can’t be too because I had never been too concerned mask over my mouth and nose, a neck
important. about the gloves before and of all times brace preventing me from moving and
22 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021seeing what was going on around me. head collapsed into the pillow as I felt I only received second degree burns
Voices echoing everywhere, buzzing that everything would be okay. thanks to the arc flash suit.
noises and beeping and warning signal I assured them I was fine. I told them If I lost the use of my hands, I would
sounds flooded the air. I lay there, how I saw an incredibly bright flash of have lost my job, lost the house, and
just staring at the ceiling. For some light and came to moments later unable made life exceedingly difficult for my
reason focusing on the prism design to hear anything, feel anything or even family. My hands are fine because
on the fluorescent light diff user above see. My eyes were open, but I could not I heeded the words, ‘Don’t ever get
me made me feel calmer and slightly see anything. This incredible fear came dragged into wearing HV gloves without
detached to the situation I was in. over me as I knew something was wrong, the leather gauntlets!”.
Out of all the chaos and monsoon of I could feel being jostled and pushed
sounds abusing me, a voice, one word around by Tony and others at the scene,
broke through and drew my focus away and then the pain started to creep in. I ABOUT DALE WEST
from the light: “Dad? Dad?” It was very started to hear what was going on and my Dale West is a pioneer in
shaky and was clearly an upset person eyes first stated to see huge bright spots electrical training since
looking for someone, but that was and then settle down to normal vision. working in the HV field since
unmistakably my daughter Sarah. While talking to Julie and Sarah, I the mid-eighties and opening
a training school in 2013
I struggled to look down toward the suddenly brought my hands up so I that also trained electrical
end of the cubicle I was in to see if she could see them. I started laughing. They apprentices. The level of success was
walked past. I tried to call out, but no thought I was plain stupid and broke into nothing short of extraordinary, prompting
the expansion from local training of only
matter how hard I tried, I could not say a a nervous laugh; at least they stopped 135 apprentices to nation-wide training and
word. And then, the most beautiful sight crying; they figured I can’t be too injured coaching for everyone from the largest city,
of my life; I saw Sarah emerge from the if I’m laughing. to the farthest remote location via Zoom
video sessions. He is a High Voltage Access
side of the curtain and Julie following A week later I walked out of the
Auditor and Trainer with customers in
right behind her, she spotted me, and hospital and three weeks later I was Australia and halfway around the world.
she looked straight into my eyes. My back at work.
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w w w.elec tricalconnec tion.com.au 23
South Australia 08 8243 3500 Western Australia 08 9353 1943 Victoria 03 9897 4711WIRING RULES- PETER VANDENHEUVEL
AVOIDING FUTURE ELECTROCUTION
DEATH TRAPS
Peter Vandenheuvel recounts a tragic story where not one, but two fatal deaths occurred by
electrocution, and explores ways to ensure minimal chances of similar occurring in the future.
W
as it an epiphany?
Well not quite. But it was
definitely a light-bulb moment
on how unexpected consequences
from minor incidents can have a most-
profound eff ect some time ‘down the
track’.
It came across my desk as an article
entitled “Dead but still alive” from the
September 2020 Australian Police
Journal, written by New South Wales
Police Detective Superintendent Paul
Devaney.
It is a most detailed and very well
written account of how a number of
totally unexpected and seemingly
unrelated minor failures can have a
consequence far greater than normally
foreseen.
Electrocution and the electrical industry inadvertantly go hand in hand; however,
THE INCIDENT there are things you can do to ensure you avoid it.
Detective Inspector Devaney was called
in during a routine ‘house call’ by police
patrol to check on an elderly lady for bathroom. Both were first floor units on it created un-fortuitous paths to earth
her ‘out of character’ failure to attend a a common floor slab. through the respective conductive
function. She was consequently found shower hoses.
deceased in her shower still holding a THE FINDINGS In conclusion, it was deemed as an
flexible shower hose. From a detailed and in-depth extremely unlucky set of circumstances.
On attempting to move her body, it investigation, it was found: The Deputy State Coroner determined
was realised she was electrically ‘live’. An ∫ A nail (then rusty and possibly from a both were accidentally electrocuted with
electricity distributor technician called powder-actuated tool) unknowingly a number of recommendations, one of
to make safe confirmed their suspicions. driven into the floor slab penetrated which included the installing of ‘safety
He also found the general area live, so a plastic conduit and its wiring, likely switches’ on lighting circuits.
instructed all to leave the apartment. during construction. It contacted a It goes without saying my most sincere
Coincidentally, while waiting outside conductor that was live, but only with a condolences go out to the families of the
for the technician, they became aware two-way switch in a certain position. lost loved ones whose active lives were
of loud music from an adjoining unit, ∫ A leaky inlet water hose-connection so tragically cut short in these heart
unusual given it was late. So, the at the back of a washing machine wrenching circumstances. In addition,
technician was asked to also conduct wetting the floor. It made the floor I feel sure that most (if not all) tradies
some testing on the area surrounding highly conductive under the two would feel and do likewise; horrified their
the adjoining parts of that unit. adjacent bathrooms and live via the innocent involvement in such a situation
It was also found to be live and nail touching the conductor when it led to a dual and catastrophic conclusion.
as the resident (another lady) had was live. In addition, it should be clearly
not responded to earlier contact understood there is no suggestion the
attempts. This adjoining was then also The above combination caused both installation was in any way at fault. But
investigated. On entry, the resident lady deaths from electrocution. By standing it illustrates where and how wiring is
was found similarly deceased in her on their respective ‘live’ shower floors installed can have a major impact on the
24 ELEC T RIC A L CONNEC T ION Autumn 2021You can also read
