Contact Energy required a solution to increase the supply of electricity in New Zealand while also increasing the level of power generated from renewable resources. UGL was contracted to find a solution to solve those issues at the Stratford Power Station which is located in near New Plymouth on New Zealand’s North Island. Contact Energy also addressed the need of efficient, fast-start gas turbine units would be the best option to support an increase of weather-dependent renewables, such as wind power generation. By using a gas-fired power plant, it would allow for efficient use of the natural gas resources already available in New Zealand.
The UGL Solution
UGL was able to deliver a turn-key solution that oversaw all operations of the project. With engineering, project managing and installing two peaking gas turbine units. Additionally, UGL installed the balance of plant which was required to complete the project.
By using the latest generation of gas turbines, UGL was able to help the Stratford Power Station produce 9% of the country’s total power generation capacity and deliver electricity to 200,000 homes. By using of two LMS100TM developed by GE Energy, the station can produce 200 megawatts of electricity while featuring low emissions. This was the first time such technology was used in the southern hemisphere.
The highly efficient gas turbines can start up quickly and produce a full load of power within 10 minutes. They also are capable of delivering 100 megawatts of power at just 46% thermal efficiency in open cycle configuration. Contact Energy was able to benefit significantly from contracting with UGL because the client had a single supplier which also reduced the costs of the overall project. The power station itself is able to reduce carbon emissions from the improved efficiency, operate at peak performances on hot days and supply electricity to a large amount of homes.
The UGL Solution
UGL was able to deliver a turn-key solution that oversaw all operations of the project. With engineering, project managing and installing two peaking gas turbine units. Additionally, UGL installed the balance of plant which was required to complete the project.
By using the latest generation of gas turbines, UGL was able to help the Stratford Power Station produce 9% of the country’s total power generation capacity and deliver electricity to 200,000 homes. By using of two LMS100TM developed by GE Energy, the station can produce 200 megawatts of electricity while featuring low emissions. This was the first time such technology was used in the southern hemisphere.
The highly efficient gas turbines can start up quickly and produce a full load of power within 10 minutes. They also are capable of delivering 100 megawatts of power at just 46% thermal efficiency in open cycle configuration. Contact Energy was able to benefit significantly from contracting with UGL because the client had a single supplier which also reduced the costs of the overall project. The power station itself is able to reduce carbon emissions from the improved efficiency, operate at peak performances on hot days and supply electricity to a large amount of homes.