Off-grid power systems delivered for Northern Gas Pipeline

Engineering company MPower has commenced delivery of the first of several off-grid DC power systems for the Northern Gas Pipeline (NGP), which runs between Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory and Mount Isa in Queensland.

The goal of the NGP is to connect gas fields in the Northern Territory with customers in the Eastern Gas Market. It will include 622 km of high-pressure buried gas pipeline with gas compression facilities at each end, as well as midline facilities such as scraper stations. It is being constructed by gas supplier Jemena.

MPower has been engaged to design and construct 10 autonomous remote power systems to be delivered in stages between now and early 2018. The high-specification renewable systems, to be installed at remote stations along the pipeline, incorporate in-built redundancy and will support the ongoing operation of the critical infrastructure project.

The bespoke renewable power systems integrate a mix of solar PV arrays, battery energy storage and a sophisticated control system designed to provide cathodic protection along the length of the pipeline. By integrating the various aspects of the system, MPower is facilitating pipeline protection against corrosion. And while the remote location and the requirement for reliable and continuous power where there is no access to network power present challenges, MPower believes these challenges fall within its core expertise.

“We’re delighted to be delivering a world-class solution to this important infrastructure project,” said Nathan Wise, CEO of MPower’s ASX-listed parent, Tag Pacific. “MPower is known for its capability in providing high-reliability power solutions for critical applications. We have drawn on our vast experience in remote renewable power systems and integrated battery energy storage to design a sophisticated solution that meets the demanding requirements of the Northern Gas Pipeline.”