Efficient Carbon Steel Piles Protect Solar Farm
Australian energy infrastructure company APA Group has announced the successful completion of the installation of 34,016 carbon steel piles for its new solar farm in Port Hedland, located in the north-west of Western Australia.
The 45MW Port Hedland solar PV farm, set to include a 35MW/36.7MWh battery, is poised to cater to all the daytime energy requirements for BHP’s port operations in Port Hedland. There are plans to potentially double the project in the future as major iron ore companies transition to renewable energy to fuel their mining activities and infrastructure, such as large haul trucks.
Efficient Installation Process
APA Group shared on its LinkedIn page that the installation of all 34,016 piles, serving as the foundations for the solar panels, has been successfully completed. The installation process, spanning just eight weeks, ensures that the project remains on schedule for operational readiness later this year.
The company highlighted that the solar farm has been meticulously designed to withstand extreme wind speeds, guaranteeing structural stability and safety during cyclones or adverse weather conditions.
Collaborative Construction Efforts
The construction of the solar piles was executed by EPC contractors Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute and Monford Group. Images posted by APA Group on LinkedIn indicate that the installation of the solar panels has also commenced, marking significant progress in the project.
Joshua S. Hill, a seasoned journalist based in Melbourne, has been actively reporting on climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for more than 15 years. His contributions to publications like Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012 have been instrumental in raising awareness about electric vehicles and sustainable technologies. Interestingly, Joshua’s preferred mode of transportation is walking.
