A joint Transpower and Vector project to develop the Hobson Street Grid Exit Point (GXP) as part of the North Auckland and Northland (NAaN) project to reinforce Auckland’s CBD power supply and electricity transmission into Northland. Transpower are installing new gas insulated switchgear (GIS), and a 250 MVA 220/110 kV power transformer. Vector are installing a new 110 kV GIS and an additional 75 MVA 110/22 kV transformer.
Vector and Transpower required a site representative to ensure coordination of contractors and site access to ensure efficient delivery of the project.
The client site representative role primarily involved coordinating contractors on the site for both Vector and Transpower.
This included access to the single site driveway in a busy central city location. Contractors and subcontractors from Hawkins Construction who constructed the buildings; Alstom Grid (France) who supplied and installed the 220 kV GIS; ABB who installed the 110 kV GIS; Olex who supplied and installed the 220 kV cables; BBUGL who installed the 220 kV cables using the Penrose to Hobson Vector tunnel and Electrix who installed the protection & SMS systems for both Vector and Transpower.
Coordination of Vector faults and maintenance staff was also needed due to the construction site being located inside an existing Zone Substation supplying the Auckland City CBD. Additional to coordination, the site representative was required to conduct site inductions, complete site safety inspections and address breaches as required.
Despite the specific challenges on site, the project is on track for a successful completion.
Mark Ryall, Transpower
