Wind tower fabricator - one of Australia's most experienced

Mining Chronicle
October, 2006, Page: 34

THE COMPANY selected to fabricate and supply 53 towers for the latest stage of the Lake Bonney project is one of Australia's most experienced suppliers to the growing wind energy industry.

Heavy engineering specialist Keppel Prince Engineering has fabricated major steel wind farm components at its Portland, Victoria workshops since 2001. The company's first wind power industry fabrication contract involved the supply of 14 towers made from XLERPLATE® steel from BlueScope Steel for the pioneering Codrington wind farm in Victoria.

It has since supplied towers and foundation sections for five separate clients operating wind farms elsewhere in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Keppel Prince has progressively increased its capabilities since it became a major resource for the wind farm industry.

It can now provide a complete service from the ground up, including the assembly of rotors and the erection of towers and nacelles, electrical terminations, painting, and welding. The company is using 8,000 tonnes of 350 Grade XLERPLATE® steel from BlueScope Steel to fabricate the 78m-Lake Bonney towers. The largest section is 30m long and weighs 57t.

"We have built up a huge amount of expertise working with XLERPLATE® steel to fabricate tower sections," said Keppel Prince managing director Steve Garner.

"Each tower is constructed from 150t of 350 Grade XLERPLATE® steel. We get the plate, roll it and weld the sections together. The plate thickness varies from 31mm at the base to 14mm at the top. Sections are fabricated to fine tolerances and strict quality standards demanded by our customer. After that, we do the full surface treatment, as well as fitting the internal ladders, platforms and electrical equipment," said Mr Garner.

According to Mr Garner, a good supplier is critical to the success of Keppel Prince projects. "When it comes to steel supply, price and availability are the two key areas," he said. "Our success on a project is based on this. BlueScope Steel's commitment to this project has been first-class - they have been very supportive. We have a great relationship with them."