10MW Trigen Plant – Crown Melbourne

Specialised was tasked with conducting a feasibility study and analysis for a new 10MW Trigen plant at Crown Melbourne. The project involved preparing a comprehensive consultants briefing document tailored for request for proposal (RFP) and engagement, as well as exploring various options, including the configuration of the plant and the decision to rebuild the existing 6.6 MW plant versus a new installation.

A critical aspect of the study was the technical assessment of the existing network, focusing on the interconnectability and integration of the proposed new system. The team performed benchmarking of similar systems both locally and globally, established load requirements and gas consumption by reviewing metering data and conducting energy modelling, and completed financial and sensitivity analyses that included construction cost estimates, payback scenarios, and net present value (NPV) calculations. Structural load assessments and spatial analyses were also conducted, alongside liaising with crane contractors to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of various lifting options.

Engagement with gas providers was crucial to predict short-term and long-term gas costs, and negotiations with CitiPower helped ascertain the available fault level headroom in their network, connection requirements, and necessary information to support their network modelling. Presentations were made to the board and executives throughout the project. Key challenges included extracting reliable information from gas supply authorities, managing the highly technical nature of the project, and facilitating effective liaison and negotiations with various authorities.