Paving The Way To A Clean Energy Future

The Australian renewables landscape is scaling new heights with DT Infrastructure’s engineering smarts, construction expertise and innovative solutions.

Australia is rapidly transitioning to a net zero future with holistic approaches aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Collaboration is fostered among government, industry and communities in support of national strategies to accelerate renewable energy adoption.

Given that the country has achieved only 30% to 40% of renewable energy share in the last five years, incredible momentum is needed to double this figure to meet the national ambition of reaching up to 82% renewable electricity share by 2030.

John Anderson, CEO, DT Infrastructure

DT Infrastructure

DT Infrastructure (DTI), part of the Gamuda Group of Companies, is geared up for such growth. John Anderson, DTI’s CEO, says: “As a specialist engineering and construction business, DTI’s strategy is centered on delivering high-quality renewable energy infrastructure solutions safely, efficiently and sustainably. Our focus on collaboration—with clients, partners and communities—enables us to continuously improve outcomes across all projects.”

Beginnings Have Their Challenges

A new gameplan is needed, one that addresses the need for all of us to contribute to our shared responsibility in alleviating the challenges. “Renewable projects are still in their infancy,” says Tom Perkin, DTI’s General Manager of Strategy.

The first commercial wind farm was only commissioned in 2001 and the first utility-scale solar farm in 2012. Industry is still grappling with best methodologies to roll out projects at scale in this young sector.

DTI’s specialization in rail and road infrastructure sectors in Australia is well established, delivering major projects across the country with a combined value of over A$6 billion (US$4 billion). Coupled with Gamuda Group’s international experience, digital engineering capability and proven delivery models, DTI has seamlessly dovetailed into the renewables sector, wining major contracts to deliver utility-scale wind and solar farms.

The company has further reinforced its position in the sector with the recent announcement of the multibillion dollar Marinus Link project. DTI, as part of the TasVic Greenlink joint venture with Samsung C&T Corporation, has been selected as the preferred respondent to deliver the Balance of Works package for Stage 1 of Marinus Link. A proposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria, Marinus Link will bolster energy security, promote renewable energy investment and deliver tangible benefits to consumers in Australia’s National Electricity Market.

“Having the ability to efficiently redeploy our talent and resources is key to building renewables infrastructure in the region. By reframing challenges as opportunities for innovation and efficiency, we are a trusted partner in delivering high-impact, cost-effective outcomes,” says Anderson.

“For our clients, this means having confidence that projects are underpinned by global best practice and a track record of success across complex infrastructure environments, as well as supported by local knowledge and expertise.”

The clean energy sector is looking to alternative delivery models to ensure that industry is keeping up with the pace required to meet targets. Increasing investor expectations are also driving demand to see these project delivered at scale. Policy frameworks are regularly revised in line with local requirements to ensure the needs of the community take center stage. “Increasingly, securing social license through proactive community engagement is becoming essential to gain planning approvals and maintain project momentum,” Perkin notes.

He explains that long after the construction is complete, the assets will remain in the community for close to four decades. Because residents, farmers and their livestock have to live with those assets, DTI must take a considered approach about the legacy they leave behind.

Delivery Partner Of Choice

Long before a project begins, plans are being laid with great care. This mindset serves DTI well as the company seeks in advance to build lasting relationships with clients, subcontractors and local communities.

Collaboration underpins DTI’s approach in driving shared value for all key stakeholders. This involves seeking alignment on project goals, risk-sharing and delivery certainty with relevant partners.

Tactically, DTI becomes involved at the project outset, when clients are still at the early design stage. This enables DTI to bring in their “engineering expertise and smarts,” thus optimizing whole-of-life solutions and unlocking significant latent value, such as delivering the highest net present value in assets.

The 228 MW Boulder Creek Wind Farm, being delivered for CS Energy and Aula Energy, is an example where DTI’s early involvement has paid off. Engaged in this 38-turbine project at the early contractor involvement (ECI) phase, DTI undertook a greater degree of in-ground risk, which benefited its clients. The initial scrubbing work in the mountainous granite terrain unearthed new data, which called for a design refinement that has led to greater efficiency for the delivery phase.

DTI’s in-depth project, geographical and community knowledge acquired during the initial phase has led the company to become the partner of choice for the construction contract to deliver the wind farm. To Chad Hymas, CEO of Aula Energy, choosing the right partner was paramount. He says of DTI: “Selecting a delivery partner is about more than capability, it’s about alignment.” Such alignment, according to Hymas, goes across many levels, from a shared value system, track record and the successful delivery of projects. “Our approach with enduring strategic partnerships is to understand each other’s drivers so we can support one another, so we can simplify engagement, standardize delivery, and create repeatable success across projects and partners,” Hymas says.

Aula Energy aims to hasten the transition to net zero in Australia “by building a clean energy future that delivers value for the sector, communities and all stakeholders.” DTI, as its partner on the ground, helps translates Aula’s ambitions into action.

Confident of DTI’s open and transparent approach, along with sound design and construct capability, Aula engaged the company again for the ECI phase of the 256 MW Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm in central South Australia. Hymas says: “DTI helps bring to life our strategy of delivering shared value for all through genuine partnerships, environmental care and long-term community commitment.”

Strategic About Making Impacts

Beyond DTI’s success in delivering wind farms, the company is also heavily invested in supporting the rollout of utility-scale solar farms. DTI is currently delivering one of Australia’s largest solar farms, the 585 MW Goulburn River Solar Farm in the Upper Hunter Region of New South Wales. When complete, this monumental project will generate enough power for approximately 225,000 homes, reducing carbon emissions by around 910,000 tonnes yearly.

The contract awarded by global Lightsource bp covers the scope of engineering, procurement and construction works. “Being first involved in the ECI phase enabled us to complete the important task of geotechnical investigations of the rocky soil type early,” says Perkin. DTI is providing civil, structural and electrical infrastructure for grid connection, as well as constructing the 49 MW/562 MWh battery energy storage system.

Many challenges shadow the fast-moving renewables sector. One issue Anderson notes is meeting clients’ concerns on balancing speed to market with return on investment in a competitive, privately funded environment. “DTI responds by providing strategic, value-driven solutions that draw on our deep infrastructure experience, industry insights and access to leading talent,” he says.

Despite the myriad challenges the industry is facing, DTI is optimistic about its role as a major infrastructure provider in accelerating renewables adoption. The goal? To support Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement in mitigating climate change by achieving 43% emissions reduction by 2030.

“Our strategic approach in this sector drives efficiencies in cost, schedule and risk mitigation—critical to accelerating the pace of renewable energy project delivery. By aligning with national net zero targets, we are helping fast-track the clean energy transition with pragmatic, scalable and impactful solutions on our projects,” Anderson says.