Nauiyu was one of the first Northern Territory communities to be chosen for the Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP), a $55 million project developed by Power and Water Corporation to deliver 10 megawatts of solar powered energy to 35 remote Indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory.
Scope
The scope of work included:
- all electrical, earthing and lighting protection
- a bespoke foundation system involving drilling, placement and grouting in place anchors for precast foundations
- assembly, erection and alignment of photovoltaic (PV) array frames and structures
- installation of PV controller and associated communication cabling
- supply, installation and commissioning of monitoring, control and metering equipment.
Outcomes
The project team overcame significant inherent design challenges including rocky geotechnical conditions, the remoteness of site, and periodic flooding on roads.
As part of BMD’s commitment to providing career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, local contractors and Indigenous labour were engaged on the project, amounting to 50% of the total labour force. All members of the project team also undertook cultural awareness training which benefited all parties in creating an inclusive and dedicated project team.
The project was successfully completed on schedule and on budget.