Power Generation

GHD provides services to clients seeking to develop power generation projects or requiring innovative solutions in managing power generating assets.

Email a Friend This Page Print This Page

We cover technologies from conventional fossil fuel firing in thermal power plants (e.g. sub-critical and supercritical coal-fired plants, coal seam methane and natural gas fired gas turbines, combined cycle power plant and cogeneration) plus emerging technologies such as integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and polygeneration (combined power, heat and chemicals).

Our team can be involved at all levels and stages of project delivery – from concept design and feasibility studies through to all aspects of asset management.


Renewable energy (hydroelectric, tidal, wind, geothermal, solar and biomass) is covered by the Renewable Energy service line.

Our services:

  • Conceptual Design
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Power Plant Siting
  • Engineering Design
  • Procurement Services
  • Construction Management
  • Project Management
  • EPCM
  • Owner’s Engineer Role
  • Independent Engineer Role
  • Operations Phase Asset Management
  • Power Plant Performance Assessment and Audit
  • Maintenance Planning
  • Remaining Life Assessments
  • Due Diligence of Power Generating Assets

Our Power Generation team works with other GHD teams, including:

  • Power Delivery
  • Renewable Energy
  • Environment
  • Sustainability
  • Oil & Gas
  • Gas Processing and Distribution
  • Plant and Process Engineering
  • Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
  • Structures

For further information, contact:

Ken Strain
Tel: +61 8 6222 8603
Email: Ken Strain

Air Monitoring in Western Australia

image

GHD conducted one of the most comprehensive ambient air monitoring programs ever to be undertaken by an Australian company, on the remote Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia.

The project, for Woodside Energy, on behalf of the North West Shelf Venture, involved GHD’s environmental team designing a program to monitor the ambient and occupational air quality around the Karratha gas plant and offshore facilities, particularly for benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) emissions.

Read More . . .

Black Start Turbine Generator for Eraring Power Station

image

A ‘Black Start’ is the complex process of restoring power supply without external power, following total failure of the power grid.

GHD used its international network to source and confirm a suitable generator to provide 'Black Start' capability to Eraring Power Station. From previous experience with second hand gas turbine projects, we were able to use our internal resources in Newcastle, Perth and the UK to select a suitably sized and priced gas turbine coupled with a new 'oversized' generator for the demanding starting loads. The gas turbine was refurbished in Dubai, and we provided on-site quality inspections of the new generator, which was sourced in the UK.

Read More . . .

Coal to the Rescue in Chile

image

Chile was a country with a heavy reliance on hydropower and gas fired combined cycle. However, a crisis in the supply of gas to Chile forced many of the gas fired plants to swap to expensive imported oil as replacement fuel. The long term solution for base load power is the development of coal fired power stations and more hydropower.

GHD’s Santiago office is playing a major role in the development of new power projects in Chile and nearby Peru with significant roles in environmental permitting and project development. One of these roles is Owner’s Engineer to Colbun for the development of a 350MW coal fired power station.

Read More . . .

Cogeneration plants increase energy efficiency

image

Two new 140MW gas-fired cogeneration units in Western Australia were the latest projects delivered through GHD’s long relationship with leading energy infrastructure company Alinta.

The cogeneration plants deliver more than 75 percent energy efficiency, compared with 25-50 per cent for other power plants operating in Western Australia. The recently completed cogeneration units are located within Alcoa’s Pinjarra Alumina refinery in the south-west of Western Australia. The combined output of the units is 280MW of power, and up to 840tph of steam.

Read More . . .

Joint Operational Command Centre

image

The Headquarters Joint Operational Command (HQJOC) project is a signature project for the Department of Defence. It is both its first public-private-partnership project and the nerve centre for a new way of doing business, the Joint Operations Command.

GHD’s project management and technical adviser roles have ensured that Defence will be provided with a new facility that meets environmental objectives and is a state-of-the-art command and control centre.

Read More . . .

Steelworks Cogeneration Project

image

BlueScope Steel is in the process of delivering a significant engineering project at the Port Kembla Steelworks, New South Wales.

The Steelworks Cogeneration Project aims to reduce the Steelwork’s greenhouse gas emissions by using the waste gas generated from steel making as an energy source for electricity and to provide a secure steam supply.

Read More . . .

Energy Sector
Energy		 Power Delivery
Power Delivery		 Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy

Ken Strain

key person image

Ken Strain heads the Power Generation Service Line in GHD and is involved in reviewing numerous GHD power projects. Ken is a mechanical engineer with over 30 years' experience in power generation and associated plant. For the past 15 years, Ken has been engaged in consultancy services in the areas of feasibility studies, concept and detailed mechanical design, asset review, procurement and project management. His previous experience includes seven years in operational and maintenance roles and seven years in project engineering

Position: Service Line Leader, Power Generation
Tel: 61 3 8687 8000

Click here to email this person...

GHD Library

The GHD library is a collection of relevant resources to this service line.

Apply Now
Submit CV