Penske to power WA gas plant

Penske Australia has been awarded the contract to power the Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 development near the town of Dongara, Western Australia.

Located approximately 350 km north of Perth and 65 km south of Geraldton in Western Australia, the Waitsia gas field is ranked one of the largest gas fields ever discovered onshore in Australia and is forecasted to bring significant economic benefits to the mid-west region during both construction and operating phases.

The Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 includes a new 250 TJ/day gas processing plant with a 15-year lifecycle that will convey gas via the nearby Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.

Penske Australia, the exclusive distributor of Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ mtu brand, will supply three mtu 20V4000L64FNER gas generators each rated at 3168 kVA/2,535 kWe, two mtu EnergyPack battery energy storage systems (BESS) both rated at 1250 kVA/768 kWh and one mtu 12V4000 DS1650 diesel generator rated at 1600 kVA/1280 kWe.

“Our team worked closely with Clough, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, to propose a solution that met all the project requirements,” said Brett Smith, account manager – energy solutions, Penske Australia. “Delivering 250 TJ of gas daily to the state’s major pipeline, the emphasis on availability was paramount during design.

“In conjunction with our partner Rolls-Royce Power Systems, we will supply an mtu package that offers a vertically integrated solution delivering the availability, performance, and reliability required for high utilisation applications.

“mtu’s Series 4000 gas generators are renowned for supplying optimal continuous power at high efficiency and critically, without a de-rate in the hot Australian climate,” he added. “These generators will be combined with the mtu EnergyPacks — the largest mtu BESS operating in Australia. The BESS provides step load support for large pumps as well as complete spinning redundancy for a generator, also reducing maintenance and fuel costs, as well as emissions.

“The remote site will be backed by our flagship Series 4000 diesel generator enabling plant start-up and support of essential services when the gas is offline.”

The Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 development also forms a key part of Penske Australia’s strategic business plan.

“This is absolutely a win for Penske’s energy solutions team and aligns with our strategic direction — reducing reliance on fossil fuel and integrating green alternative energy sources,” said Steve Turton, business manager – energy solutions, Penske Australia. “This isn’t just the battery. The mtu 20V4000 Series gas engine is already hydrogen-ready and can run on up to 20% blended hydrogen. In the next few years it will be possible to convert it to 100% hydrogen.”