• Monford Group Awarded EPC Contract for the Port Hedland Solar Farm Project

    Monford Group Awarded EPC Contract for the Port Hedland Solar Farm Project

    Alinta Energy has appointed Monford Group (Monford) as the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning contractor in a consortium with our partner Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute Co (SEPD) to deliver a 45MW solar farm in Port Hedland.

    Monford Group will commence construction of the 45MW solar farm in the third quarter of 2023 with commercial operations expected to commence by the last quarter of 2024. The project will be delivered in conjunction with a 35MW one-hour battery storage system.

    Port Hedland Solar Farm will be constructed and connected to Alinta Energy’s existing Port Hedland power station which is located 14km from the BHP port facilities. The project is expected to be the first large scale renewable facility in Port Hedland and is forecasted to power 100 percent of the average daytime energy requirements for BHP’s port facilities.

    Monford, renowned for its expertise in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions in the renewable energy sector, are thrilled to be able to contribute their technical ability to this project. Backed by Monford’s team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, this project embodies Monford’s trademark commitment to safety, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality results that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a solutions-based approach that prioritises innovation and collaboration, Monford is set to push the boundaries of excellence in the renewable energy industry once again.

    “Monford Group is proud to be delivering the first large scale renewable facility in Port Hedland. At Monford, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable solar projects that benefit both our clients and the environment. With a proven track record of completing solar projects across Australia, on time, in budget, safely and sustainably, we are proud to demonstrate our considerable skills and knowledge in this venture with Alinta Energy. With innovative and integrated solutions, we are excited to help secure the future of Australia’s renewable energy sector.”

    – Peter Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Monford Group

    “We’re excited to bring these EPC partners on board to help us deliver the project for BHP and look forward to a safe and successful construction phase.”

    – Ken Woolley, Alinta Energy’s Chief Development Officer

    (Source https://www.energymagazine.com.au/new-contractors-for-port-hedland-solar-battery-hybrid-project/)

    ABOUT MONFORD GROUP

    Monford Group is an Australian company that builds and maintains large and complex construction projects, a leader in the industry, with an Australia-wide portfolio of projects in the Infrastructure, Resources and Energy sectors. Whether for construction only, Design and Construct, or EPC, Monford is a one-stop shop with a hard-won reputation for delivering complex projects on time, within budget, safely and sustainably with a client-centric focus. Built “from the ground up” and led by hands-on management, Monford’s success stems from its experience, integrity, and flair for innovation, always with an emphasis on safety and quality.

    More information on Monford Group projects here.

  • Monford Group: Revolutionising Site Access Control with Innovative Solutions

    Monford Group: Revolutionising Site Access Control with Innovative Solutions

    At Monford Group, our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, security, and efficiency drives us to constantly push the boundaries of innovation within the construction industry. A major aspect of ensuring high safety standards on our project sites is the strict check-in procedure for all personnel before entering site. As we embarked on a recent Solar and Battery project, our focus was not only on site access but also on implementing an integrated Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) check within our check-in procedure to enhance workplace safety.

    The need for strict entry measures on construction sites is paramount to swiftly identify individuals during emergency evacuations and prevent unauthorised public access. We were determined to cut down on manpower and administration hours while empowering subcontractors and staff to self-check-in and conduct their BAC tests in an integrated and automated process. This transformational approach aimed to reduce long queues, increase site productivity, and ease the administrative workload of our WHSE Advisors.

    Despite facing challenges with limited site infrastructure on our Solar and Battery Project, Monford Group’s dedication to innovation led us to devise a unique solution. We procured a 40-foot sea container and integrated Nirovision’s Doorkeeper solution, which we were already using in other locations, with three bi-directional rotating access gates and an integrated BAC unit on the entry side. To enter the site, it requires a positive facial recognition and a negative BAC, while exiting the site only requires a positive facial recognition. This custom container became the cornerstone of our site access control strategy, seamlessly incorporating Nirovision’s state-of-the-art AI facial recognition technology. What is even better, is that this BAC set up allows us to use eco-friendly, biodegradable paper straws, negating the use of harmful and wasteful plastic straws used traditionally in handheld BAC checkers, which also aligns with Monford’s strategic sustainability goals.

    “Ensuring the safety of our staff and sites is of paramount importance to Monford. Nirovision has ensured that only authorised individuals are granted access to the site, improving Monford’s safety procedures and site security.”

    – Brian Rafferty, Chief Technology and Innovations Officer

    The successful integration of the check-in container on our Solar and Battery Project has elevated safety and security measures on-site, creating a safer working environment for all. Recognising the immense value of this solution, we have since implemented similar setups in our other active projects. Beyond its immediate benefits, the data captured by Nirovision has proven to be a powerful asset. Integrated into various systems, including payroll for timecards and safety systems for reporting, this valuable information allows us to analyse personnel movement trends, track productivity levels, and make data-driven decisions to optimise workflows across multiple construction sites. This level of intelligence empowers us to allocate resources effectively, streamline operations, and deliver projects with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

    “The container setup which includes an alcohol test, is completely automated allowing workers to check-in by themselves which saves us time and helps reduce costs.”

    – Brian Rafferty, Chief Technology and Innovations Officer

    Monford Group takes immense pride in our pioneering approach to site access control, setting new standards for safety and security within our industry. We invite you to explore our experience with the Nirovision check-in container and its transformative impact in the full article here and witness firsthand how our commitment to innovation continues to redefine excellence in construction project management.

  • Press Release: Merredin Solar Farm Exporting 100% to the Grid

    Press Release: Merredin Solar Farm Exporting 100% to the Grid

    Western Australia’s largest solar farm, the 132 MWdc Merredin Solar Farm is connected to the grid, generating 100% capacity into the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

    Merredin Solar Farm has an expected output of 274GWh of electricity annually, generating enough green energy to power approximately 42,000 Western Australian homes.

    The Solar Farm is located on 460ha of former farming and grazing country adjacent to the Western Power Merredin Terminal and will connect to this facility at 220kV.

    Monford worked closely with the network service provider (Western Power) and AEMO on behalf of Risen through the staged live commissioning process and the solar farm is now exporting 100% capacity output, compatible with Western Power’s grid requirements.

    It has been a pleasure to work with Western Power and their smooth coordination with AEMO has enabled us to reach this milestone of achieving a fully operational solar facility which will supply green power.
    – Eric Lee, General Manager of Risen Energy (Australia).

    Fastest build of a large-scale solar facility

    And the importance of good stakeholder relations

    Merredin Solar Farm is one of the fastest builds of a large-scale solar farm seen yet.

    Due to the close collaboration between Monford Group and Risen, electrical, mechanical and civil completion of the Merredin Solar Farm was achieved in just 3 months.

    Risen and Monford’s capacity to resource the project meant that they had all materials and resources on site at one given time, allowing it to be put together quickly and without delay.

    Ciaran Shannon, General Manager of Monford acknowledged the good working relations between both companies and added that Monford “welcomes the opportunity to deliver further landmark renewable energy projects and support Risen’s commendable goal to deliver 2GW of clean energy to Australia”.

    About Merredin Solar Farm

    As principal contractor for the Merredin Solar Farm project, Monford Group alongside Risen’s EPC team, progressed the project from detailed engineering design, through construction, commissioning and operation.

    The 132 MWdc solar farm consists of 354,452 Risen Energy panels mounted on a single axis tracking system and generates and delivers clean, renewable electricity into the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) making a major contribution to Western Australia’s greenhouse gas reductions.

    Merredin Solar Farm will require 2 full time workers to operate and maintain the installation.
    The facility will have an operating life of 30 years, with the option for an extension. At the end of the facility’s useful operating life, all above ground infrastructure will be removed, and the land returned to its former agricultural use.

    www.merredinsolar.com.au

    About Monford Group

    Monford is a leader in the construction industry, with an Australia-wide portfolio of projects in the Infrastructure, Resources and Energy sectors.

    Headquartered in WA and with ten years of experience in the industry, Monford consistently delivers projects on time, within budget, safely and sustainably whilst maintaining a commitment to excellence in delivery and a customer-centric focus.

    Built “from the ground up” and led by hands-on management, Monford’s success stems from its experience, integrity and flair for innovation, always with an emphasis on safety and quality.

    For more information or to organise an interview please contact Gemma O’Reilly
    Call 0417 400 386 or email Download this Full Press Release as a PDF

    Merredin Solar Farm (WA) Timelapse

    3 month construction | Producing 274GWh every year

  • Monford Group delivers 132MW Merredin Solar Farm, WA’s largest

    Monford Group delivers 132MW Merredin Solar Farm, WA’s largest

    WA’s Largest Solar Installation

    The Merredin Solar farm, built by Monford Group, for Risen Energy Co., Ltd., is the largest such facility in Western Australia. It was built – from start to finish – in just 3 months. Monford has demonstrated the ability to deliver projects on schedule and within budget, and our impressive workflow statistics make us a highly competitive bidder for projects Australia-wide.

    “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” says Monford Group’s General Manager, Ciaran Shannon.

    Click on the article below from EcoGeneration to read more.

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