Oil & Gas
Client: Ventia
Temporary Power Station Oil and Gas Project – INPEX Ichthys LNG
Temporary power station oil and gas projects require reliable, fast, and flexible power solutions to support large-scale industrial developments. Cell Engineering was engaged by Ventia to assist with delivering a temporary power solution for the INPEX Ichthys LNG project in Darwin, supporting construction and commissioning activities.
Project Overview
The project involved the design and implementation of a temporary power station to provide stable and scalable power during the construction phase of the LNG facility. Given the complexity and scale of the site, the solution needed to be delivered quickly while maintaining high safety and performance standards.
The work was completed in two key stages to ensure continuous and reliable power supply throughout the project lifecycle.
Stage 1 – 20MW Diesel Power Station
The first stage included the deployment of a 20MW diesel generator power station. Cell Engineering played a key role in supporting the design and analysis of the system to ensure it met operational requirements.
Our scope included:
- Power system modelling
- Load flow analysis
- Fault level studies
- Protection coordination
- Arc flash analysis
In addition to engineering support, we worked closely with the project management team to assist with installation planning and execution. The Stage 1 power station was successfully installed within an 8-week timeframe, ensuring no delays to construction activities.
Stage 2 – 30MW Dual-Fuel Gas Turbine System
The second stage expanded the system to a 30MW dual-fuel gas turbine power station, improving efficiency and operational flexibility.
Cell Engineering delivered advanced modelling and simulation to assess system performance under various operating conditions. This included:
- Dynamic modelling of system behaviour
- Simulation of fault conditions
- Load shedding response analysis
- Integration with the existing facility
This ensured the system could operate safely and reliably when connected to the broader site infrastructure.
Engineering Scope and Technical Capabilities
Cell Engineering provided a comprehensive range of technical services across the project, including:
- Detailed power system studies
- Load flow and fault analysis
- Protection system coordination
- Arc flash risk assessments
- Dynamic system modelling
We also completed earthing system design, including:
- Lightning protection analysis
- Step and touch potential assessments
These studies were critical in ensuring the safety and compliance of the system.
These studies align with international standards such as those developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission for power system safety and reliability.
Cyber and infrastructure guidelines from the Australian Cyber Security Centre also support secure integration of temporary systems.
Project Outcome
The temporary power station oil and gas solution enabled efficient and safe construction of the INPEX Ichthys LNG facility. Delivering Stage 1 within a tight timeframe ensured the project remained on schedule, while the Stage 2 expansion provided additional capacity and flexibility.
This project demonstrates Cell Engineering’s ability to deliver complex power system solutions in high-demand environments, particularly within the oil and gas sector.
Challenges and Key Considerations
Delivering a temporary power solution for a project of this scale required careful planning and coordination across multiple teams. One of the key challenges was ensuring the system could be deployed within tight timeframes without compromising safety or performance.
The integration of temporary generation into an existing LNG facility also required detailed analysis to ensure system stability. This included managing fault levels, coordinating protection systems, and ensuring seamless operation between temporary and permanent infrastructure.
Environmental and operational conditions in Darwin further added complexity, requiring robust system design and reliable equipment selection. Close collaboration between engineering, site teams, and stakeholders was essential to successfully deliver both stages of the project.
Why Temporary Power Stations Are Critical in Oil and Gas
Temporary power solutions play a critical role during construction and commissioning phases. They provide flexibility, reduce project delays, and ensure critical systems can be tested before permanent infrastructure is fully operational.
For large LNG and resource projects, having a reliable temporary generation system helps maintain timelines and reduces risk across the project lifecycle.
Project Details
Client: Ventia
Location: Darwin, Australia
Timeframe: 2017–2018
Approx. Value: $137,000
For More on Electrical Safety Studies, Visit Our Services Page
-
Explore additional services related to our power system capabilities offered by Cell Engineering.
