Moomba Power Generation Project
GPA were engaged by Santos to support augmentation of the existing power generation capacity at the Moomba Plant to meet the additional demands of two major developments in the Cooper Basin: the Lo-Heat Project and the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project. The Lo-Heat Project has enhanced the efficiency of existing process technologies on site, while the CCS Project plays a critical role in decarbonisation through the safe and permanent storage of carbon dioxide.
To support these advancements, the existing 11kV power distribution system at Moomba was supplemented with additional generation infrastructure and interconnected via a newly constructed 33kV/66kV Overhead Line network delivered under the UNO project.
GPA played a critical role in delivering the project, providing FEED, Detailed Design, Construction Supervision, and Commissioning services for the new power plant, which included:
- Four 2.8MVA 11kV reciprocating engine generators, with provision for additional units to be added in the future.
- Two 10MVA power transformers.
- Two 2.25MVA station transformers.
- New HV & LV switchrooms.
- HV switchboard and LV balance of plant systems.
- Fuel gas skid and associated instrumentation.
- Communications and control panels.
The project required delivery within a compressed schedule to meet the operational timeline of the Lo‑Heat and CCS initiatives. GPA worked to accelerated progress and expedite delivery by progressively completing the design, issuing elements in sequence of the critical path, allowing procurement and fabrication to occur early.
Following mechanical and electrical installation, GPA’s I&C and power engineering teams undertook commissioning, providing both onsite and remote support. Integration of the new power plant with the existing Moomba generation system required extensive testing and validation of control systems and power management logic to ensure seamless and reliable operation. These challenges were successfully managed through detailed planning and close collaboration with Santos operations.
