Remote Power Plant Upgrade
The Client: FSM National Government, Department of Resources & Development
The Background
In 2016, EPSA was appointed to work across two projects on Yap Island, one of four states in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). This included delivering a new diesel-run power station that combines renewable energy wind and solar farms with more efficient Cat® 3516 and C32 diesel generators. Continuing EPSA’s incredible work in the region, in 2018, EPSA was again appointed in a similar capacity – this time on Kosrae, formerly known as Kusaie or Strong’s Island.
The Requirement
EPSA is proud to have played an integral role in delivering upgrades to the existing power plant on Kosrae. EPSA worked with power station operator Kosrae Utilities Authority (KUA) on this World Bank-funded project for the FSM’s National Government and Department of Resource and Development. Project Manager Bruce Horwood says EPSA had a highly engaged project team including Sales and Estimator Mukesh Sharma, and Site Manager Chris Antony deployed to Kosrae for five weeks along with Andrew Kerley for the installation and commissioning phase of the project – all representing EPSA’s capabilities to the highest standards.
The Solution
Designing, supplying, delivering, installing and commissioning a new, market-leading Cat® C27 genset, EPSA also supplied the balance of plant equipment to support vital upgrades to the existing powerplant on Kosrae Island. Cat® C27 genset rated at 600kW (continuous 60HZ 4160V). The products included:
- MV switchboard
- Synchronising control panel
- 1,000-litre day tank
- Fuel transfer system
- Exhaust system
- Discharge ventilation duct system and weather louvre
- Starting battery system
- Wiring
- Accessories
The Results
Delivery to site was via three shipping containers that departed from Brisbane to Kosrae via Japan, Guam and other small islands in the FSM. Chris and Andrew travelled to Kosrae via Hawaii and two other small islands in the FSM over two days to be on site to manage and perform the installation and commissioning. It was a project that ran for around 12 months and handed over on the 1st December 2018.
“I’m really proud of all our team as we completed the project six weeks ahead of the contract scheduled handover date,” says Horwood.
“It was a difficult project due to location, logistics and no local skilled labour. I’m also very appreciative of the great assistance we received from Robert Taualupe, Operations Manager for the power station in delivering this work.
“It is always a wonderful experience when you work with friendly professionals as we finished the installation and commissioning of our new Cat® C27 for our power plant,” adds Taualupe. “From start to finish, the EPSA folks were simply outstanding! These two guys, Chris and Andrew, were very professional and polite, and their installation is second-to-none. The work was better than I expected, and I appreciate it very much. Many thanks for the excellent job your staff did, especially Chris for his professional skills ‘know-how’ and Andrew for his skills and knowledge in Cat® engines. I am very, very impressed with both in your team.”
