Worsley Multi Fuel Cogeneration (MFC) Project
Location:
Collie
Value:
$70 million
Client:
WR Carpenter (for Worsley Alumina)
Capability:
Power
Contract Type:
Cost Reimbursable - Construction Management/Alliance
Start Date:
May 2011
Duration:
May 2011 to August 2012
Thiess is currently performing as construction managers and suppliers of direct labour and equipment at the Worsley Multi Fuel Cogeneration (WMFC) project.
The Worsley Alumina Refinery expansion from 3.1 to 4.7 million tonnes per year requires an expansion in the existing steam and electricity supply to the refinery. Thiess joined the Worsley Multi Fuel Cogeneration Project (Worsley MFC) with approximately 40% construction complete following the liquidation of the previous head contractor. For this project, Thiess has formed an EPCM alliance with CH2M Hill to complete the remaining design and construction works. Thiess is providing construction management services and are working collaboratively in an open book arrangement with our joint clients, WR Carpenter and end user Worsley Alumina.
Our scope includes overall construction and interface management for the entire project including the supply of all direct labour and major plant and equipment necessary to complete the project. Through regular interface and alignment meetings with our alliance partners and our clients, we have successfully managed to develop and enhance previous site relationships since our involvement on the project. This collaborative working relationship is especially paramount for working within the live operating environment of the Worsley Alumina plant.
The scope of works under management by Thiess includes the construction of two coal/biomass circulating fluidised bed boilers, both capable of producing 550 tonnes per hour of steam, and each with a 57MW back pressure steam turbine and associated balance of plant. Both units are due to produce first steam in 2012, which will enable the adjacent BHP Billiton Alumina Refinery to increase Alumina production from 3.1MTpa to 4.7MTpa upon WMFC completion.
To develop a collaborative working team environment, we have successfully organised and implemented two “Team Glue” sessions for key Thiess, CH2M Hill and client representatives since our involvement in 2011. This dedication to maintaining positive relationships and teamwork at all levels has contributed to the Worsley MFC project remaining on track to achieve all key budgetary and schedule milestone targets to date without disruption to existing plant operations.
KEY FACTS
- Alliance with CH2M Hill
- Two 57 Megawatt steam turbines, including two coal/biomass boilers
- Power infrastructure to increase capcity of Worsley plant by 50% to 4.7MTpa
- over 300 staff and crew mobilised
DELIVERY
- Completion date for Boiler 5, February 2012
- Completion date for Boiler 6, August 2012
