Client: Essential Energy
Location: Charlotte Pass Snow Resort
Service: Replacement of 11KvA Supply to Charlotte Pass Snow Resort
Date started: December 2023
Date completed: April 2024
Addressing the Challenges
Charlotte Pass Snow Resort relies on two Essential Energy 11 kVA underground cables for its power supply. However, in January 2021, contractors working on a walkway for New South Wales (NSW) National Parks inadvertently damaged these cables multiple times, creating a significant challenge. The existing cable route traverses extensive areas of environmentally sensitive alpine bogs, complicating access for construction and maintenance equipment.
To tackle this issue, Essential Energy planned to install approximately 3.8 km of new underground conduit. The new route is strategically situated entirely within the reserve of Kosciuszko Road and the shoulder of Charlotte Way. This installation primarily involved trenching, with two creek crossings bored to minimize environmental impact. Essential Energy enlisted Marais Laying NZ for their expertise in trenching hard ground conditions and their extensive knowledge of rock saw technology.
The main challenges were mitigating environmental impacts within a national park and completing the project within a tight timeframe before the start of the snow season.
Innovative Solutions by Marais Laying NZ
Marais Laying NZ proposed the use of trenching machines ST2 and TRS885, along with a specially designed laying box for this project. This approach enabled the automatic installation of 2 x 140mm conduits and sand in the trench, ensuring efficiency and precision.
Successful Outcomes
This project was a milestone, introducing a new range of cable installation solutions for the Essential Energy team and significantly boosting productivity. The innovative laying box eliminated the need for workers to be inside the trench, ensuring safety and efficiency while automatically installing the conduits.
Key Facts:
3.8 km of trench in rock
2 creek crossings
Key Equipment Used:
ST2 trencher
TRS885 trencher
Laying box
By overcoming environmental and logistical challenges, Marais Laying NZ and Essential Energy have ensured a reliable power supply for Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, setting a new standard for future infrastructure projects in environmentally sensitive areas.
This successful collaboration between Essential Energy and Marais Laying NZ showcases the importance of innovative solutions and expertise in addressing complex challenges. The new power supply infrastructure at Charlotte Pass Snow Resort stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic planning, advanced technology, and a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
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