AGL’s Knowledge Sharing Report number 5 contains lessons learnt from building and commissioning both the Nyngan and Broken Hill Solar PV Plants.
Report extract
The Nyngan Solar Plant site is very flat making drainage difficult due to the minimal fall able to be achieved. During the execution of the civil works, we experienced above average rainfall which at times severely impacted the works, schedule and budget. Inclement weather was identified during the project planning phase of the project, however, the degree of rainfall did have an impact on logistics, materials deliveries (both local and interstate), transportation, internal site road condition and development, laydown yard activities, and the opportunity to use heavy tracked equipment, trenchers, cranes, etc. Rainfall affecting these activities resulted in delays until the saturated ground was able to dry out through standard dewatering and pumping activities.
Within the project site, civil scope included internal access roads on the perimeter of the site as well as internal PCS block alleyways, along with car parks, two laydown areas for storage of materials, all of which required continual maintenance through the timeline of the project. Maintenance requirements for civil works included grading, leveling, dust abatement, application of dust inhibitor (Canola oil and Dustex were trialed, but while longer lasting were ultimately less cost effective than water), and dewatering when localised flooding occurred.