As the push towards net zero emissions gains momentum, government departments are looking to play their part and improve their power generation and consumption infrastructure. This week we look at a Request For Tender (RFT) issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) looking to undertake Solar Installations at three of their NSW Radar sites.
The BOM has over 100 weather monitoring sites across Australia. The Bureau provides a critical service by issuing early warnings of severe weather events to the Australian public and industry. Typically, Automatic Weather Stations, Upper Air Sounding Stations and Weather Watch Radar sites rely on a high reliability source of electrical energy from the Grid. The energy conception of these sites is highly variable depending on the site operations; however the majority are grid connected with standby supply from a diesel generator backup. The BoM have been actively exploring options for introducing renewable energy into the supply mix at these sites in an effort to further improve the reliability of power and reducing net emissions associated with operating these facilities. This RFT seeks a hybrid power supply (batteries and solar) installation at three NSW sites: Yeoval, Hillston and Brewarrina to reduce power consumption from the grid, and therefore reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, and the cost of power. This system would also be required to provide site-standby power in the event of grid failure, as many grid failure events coincide with extreme weather events where the Australian public have a greater reliance on accurate and timely meteorological data. The hybrid installation would supplement the existing electrical network consisting of a three-phase connection to the grid, local emergency standby generator, and uninterruptable power supply.
The successful supplier would be required to undertake supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of three inverter/charger, battery, and solar systems, one for each of the three sites. Of note is a preference for the system to be manufactured in a capital city to take advantage of skilled resources and limited rural capabilities. The system also needs to be pre-commissioned in the factory to ensure accurate function prior to being shipped to site by the contractor.
This RFT closes on 18 May 2022.
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