Veolia Waste Treatment Plant at Bibra Lake – Installation of 894Kw Solar System by Westsun Energy
65 Howson Way, Bibra Lake WA 6163
Veolia facilities provide a waste and environmental management solutions across all industries
The Veolia Waste Treatment Plant at Bibra Lake, located in Western Australia, is a key facility in Veolia’s commitment to providing sustainable waste management and environmental solutions. The plant processes various waste materials while ensuring minimal impact on the environment. In line with the growing push for cleaner energy and sustainability in industrial operations, Veolia sought to incorporate renewable energy into its operations. Westsun Energy, a renowned leader in solar energy solutions, was contracted to install an 894Kw solar power system at the site.
Equipment Installed
→ 1626 x Suntech 550w Solar Panels
→ 5 x Fronius Tauro ECO 100kW Inverters
→ 4 x Fronius Tauro 50kW Inverters
→ Consumption Monitoring via Fronius SOLAR.WEB Portal
Estimated Annual Production: 1,394,58 MWh approximately
This case study outlines the successful installation of this solar system by Westsun Energy under strict safety standards, emphasizing the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the long-term benefits to both the facility and the environment.
Just under 10 weeks, Veolia’s solar power installation was completed successfully with Westsun Energy’s Team of People that were involved in this major project.
→ Project Director
→ Electrical Engineers
→ Project Manager
→ CEC Accredited Installers
→ Labourers
Objectives
→ Primary Objective: To reduce the carbon footprint of the Veolia Waste Treatment Plant at Bibra Lake through the installation of a renewable energy source.
→ Secondary Objective: To ensure the installation was carried out with the highest levels of safety and adherence to industry regulations, minimizing potential risks to both the workers and the community.
Scope of the Project
The solar installation aimed to integrate solar energy into the Veolia Waste Treatment Plant’s energy mix, offsetting a significant portion of its electricity consumption. The 890Kw solar system was designed to provide clean, renewable energy to the plant’s operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Key aspects of the project included:
→ Design and Engineering: Custom-designed solar panels, racking systems, and inverters tailored to the specific needs and layout of the site.
→ Installation: Deployment of over 3,000 solar panels, installation of associated inverters and storage systems, and wiring of the system for seamless operation.
→ Safety Protocols: Adherence to the highest safety standards to ensure the safety of workers, site visitors, and the surrounding community during both the construction and operational phases.
Challenges
The project encountered several challenges typical of large-scale industrial solar installations:
- Site Constraints: The Bibra Lake location posed certain challenges due to the presence of waste processing infrastructure, limited space, and the need to integrate the solar system with existing energy systems.
- Stringent Safety Standards: Due to the complexity of the installation and the industrial nature of the site, ensuring a safe working environment was a top priority. This required strict adherence to Australian Standards for electrical safety, risk management, and hazardous materials handling.
- Environmental Sensitivity: The project needed to be carried out without disrupting the ongoing waste management operations, which required careful planning to avoid hazards related to waste handling and processing.
- System Integration: Integration of the solar system with the existing electrical grid required close coordination between engineers, electrical workers, and plant operators to avoid any disruption in operations.
Solutions
Customized Solar Design: The Westsun Energy team worked closely with Veolia to design a solar energy system that could be seamlessly integrated with the waste treatment plant’s energy infrastructure. The panels were placed strategically to optimize energy generation without interfering with existing operations.
Strict Safety Protocols: To mitigate risks associated with working at a waste treatment facility, Westsun Energy implemented rigorous safety protocols:
→ Comprehensive risk assessments and method statements were produced before work commenced.
→ Continuous safety audits and regular training ensured all workers understood the specific hazards related to the site and their tasks.
→ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and fall protection gear were mandatory.
→ Adherence to electrical safety standards was ensured through certification and compliance with local electrical regulations.
Experienced Workforce: Westsun Energy deployed a team of highly skilled engineers and electricians, with specific experience in both industrial solar installations and hazardous environments. This ensured that safety and operational standards were met throughout the installation.
Seamless Integration: The solar system was designed for easy integration with the plant’s existing energy systems. Westsun Energy worked with Veolia’s engineering team to install a state-of-the-art inverter system and connect the solar output to the plant’s grid without causing any power surges or disruptions.
Implementation
The installation was carried out in stages, with the following key milestones:
- Pre-Installation Phase: A detailed site assessment was conducted to map out the best locations for the solar panels, taking into account existing infrastructure, shading, and load requirements.
- Solar Panel Installation: The installation of over 3,000 solar panels was completed, with specialized equipment used to transport and position the panels safely in the designated areas.
- Electrical Integration: The solar inverters were connected to the plant’s electrical systems, and wiring was meticulously installed to ensure that energy flow from the solar system was properly managed and distributed.
- Testing and Commissioning: After the installation, the system underwent rigorous testing to ensure that it met operational requirements and safety standards. The system was then commissioned and began supplying power to the plant.
Results
→ Energy Generation: The 894Kw solar system now contributes a substantial portion of the energy needs for the Veolia Waste Treatment Plant. This reduces the plant’s reliance on the grid and fossil fuel-based electricity, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.
→ Cost Savings: By generating its own solar power, the plant has seen a marked reduction in energy costs, which will result in long-term savings and improved financial sustainability.
→ Improved Environmental Performance: The plant’s commitment to sustainability has been reinforced, as it now generates renewable energy to power a significant portion of its operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
→ Safety Achievements: The project was completed without any safety incidents, a testament to the stringent safety measures put in place by Westsun Energy. The successful completion of the installation under such high standards has set a benchmark for future projects in similar industrial settings.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Veolia and Westsun Energy at the Bibra Lake Waste Treatment Plant has been a model for how large industrial operations can transition to renewable energy sources. By successfully installing a 890Kw solar power system under the strictest safety standards, Westsun Energy has demonstrated its commitment to both sustainability and safety. This project not only contributes to the plant’s operational efficiency but also enhances Veolia’s position as a leader in sustainable waste management.
The successful implementation of the solar system will provide long-term environmental and economic benefits, making it a key milestone in the journey toward greener industrial operations.
