The Construction and Maintenance Services Division (CaMS) manages the depot as a resource base for its comprehensive maintenance and construction project service for mining and other remote area clients.
SA Power Networks already has a prominent profile in the area having recently completed the design and construction of a 185km 132kV transmission line from Olympic Dam to Prominent Hill, and 120km of 33kV distribution line to supply the Borefield mine site.
The works also included the construction of two large new substations and associated telecommunications systems.
"The project was a great demonstration of SA Power Networks' remote project capability and proved the value of SA Power Networks national leading approach to safety," said Rob Snowdon, General Manager Construction and Maintenance Services.
"Despite the hazards of remoteness, working with electricity, working at heights and in excess of 1.5 million kilometres of travel in remote locations with times of low visibility and adverse weather, the $100-million plus project involving more than 310,000 ‘man’ hours, was delivered without a lost-time injury."
SA Power Networks' remote area credentials also include the completion of 276km of 33kV distribution line throughout the APY Lands as well as an ongoing contract with the SA Government to operate and maintain electricity infrastructure under the Remote Areas Energy Supplies (RAES) scheme.
"We have also established the Davenport Training Centre in Port Augusta to help train new apprentices and existing power industry workers, to support the expected growth in the mining industry," Snowdon said.
"In addition, it offers training and pre-employment opportunities and provides specific Indigenous and schools programs for the region."
New depot meets local demand
With the capacity to quickly scale up for future demand, the Olympic Dam depot complements SA Power Networks' 20 other metropolitan and regional depots throughout South Australia and Victoria.
It currently services the significant electricity infrastructure maintenance requirements of OzMinerals and BHP Billiton.
SA Power Networks' CaMS division provides comprehensive electricity related construction and maintenance services to many commercial clients including a number of mines and processing plants in remote and regional areas.
SA Power Networks has been providing the full range of electrical infrastructure services for more than 60 years, and CaMS has a 12 year history of successful commercial operations.
"Many people outside the industry forget that these major projects won’t happen without a reliable electricity supply," Snowdon said.
Capability and commitment
"We have the capability, resources and commitment to deliver reliable energy projects safely and on time.
"Our client list is a who’s who of Australian industry — major Australian mining companies, including BHP Billiton, One Steel and Oz Minerals, and electricity utilities such as ElectraNet, Powercor, Jemena and Power and Water NT turn to SA Power Networks when they want electricity infrastructure work delivered.
"We work closely with our clients to thoroughly scope the project and agree milestones and ensure risks are identified and appropriately managed throughout the project life cycle," Snowdon said.
"We are exceptionally equipped in terms of engineering capability, project management, construction and maintenance resources."
SA Power Networks has more than 1,000 professional, technical and trade-skilled personnel, including project managers, construction managers, engineers, designers, commissioning officers, substation and transmission line tradesmen.
The company also has strategic alignments with various subcontractors who deliver to high standards of quality, safety and reliability.
"Our experience in managing projects at remote locations demonstrates our ability to provide turn key projects in Australia’s toughest environments," Snowdon said.
"We are justifiably proud of our safety record our project delivery performance working in a dangerous industry and confronted with sometimes difficult terrain and challenging conditions.
"This has been further supported by our recent recognition with a National Safety Award for 'Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System' by WorkSafe Australia."
For more information about how SA Power Networks can help energise your project, contact Ian Bowman, telephone (08) 8404 4867 or 0403 582 304.
