14 July 2009. Successful operation of the gas turbine at Owen Springs marks the completion of Phase One of MAN Diesel Australia’s ground-breaking project.

The 4MW gas turbine was relocated from the Ron Goodin Power Station in Alice Springs and will provide power in the interim until the new Owen Springs plant is commissioned. MAN’s dedicated project team has now completed all bulk earthworks and road infrastructure, which facilitated the installation of four 110,000 litre fuel tanks including all associated civil and mechanical works. Both gas and diesel fuels are now available to the gas turbine.

Phase Two of the project, which is the provision of the power station infrastructure ready for delivery of the generator sets, is well underway. The site office facilities and amenities buildings are approaching completion and the steel frame for the workshop building has been erected. Installation of the external cladding for the workshop building is due to conclude next week.

Tenders have now been requested for both construction of the control room and also for the building that will house all three Dual-Fuel Generator Sets. Manufacture of the radiator cooling system is underway in Adelaide and will be assembled and tested prior to being dispatched to the Owen Springs site.

Phase Two of the project is due for completion in May 2010.