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RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)
Contents Vol 62 (S1: Proceedings)

Lighting the way

Blair Hardman A * and Dave Sharp B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia.

B EcoQuip Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.

* Correspondence to: blairhardman@chevron.com

The APPEA Journal 62 S274-S277 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ21226
Accepted: 8 March 2022   Published: 13 May 2022

© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of APPEA.

Abstract

Historically, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd have utilised Mobile Diesel Lighting Towers (MDLTs), with ‘turtle friendly’ luminaires at the Gorgon natural gas project (located on Barrow Island, Western Australia), operated by Chevron Australia on behalf of a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and JERA (0.417%). MDLTs are a known, relatively safe and reliable light source that can be utilised in most locations, though they emit noise, odour, vibrations, waste hydrocarbons and CO2 as well as requiring regular refuelling and general engine maintenance. With recent and significant improvements in solar energy harvest, and battery storage efficiencies, Mobile Solar Lighting Towers (MSLTs) have technical and performance characteristics that are comparable, and in many instances superior, to MDLTs. In addition to these characteristics, Chevron Australia has successfully worked with its Australian supplier, conducting trials on site to introduce a range of additional design and performance improvements. These improvements include simple Human–Machine Interface (HMI) touch screen interface allowing remote automation through WiFi or 4G, real-time battery and performance monitoring, CCTV, geofencing and GPS tracking. The benefits of replacing just 25 owned MDLTs with solar includes the abatement of over 600 tonnes of CO2 and direct operational cost savings of almost A$50 000 per year (not including indirect cost savings or avoided carbon emissions costs). Further, net present value calculations demonstrate a financial benefit exceeding A$1 000 000 over 5 years when the solar towers are leased compared with maintaining existing or purchasing new diesel units. These MSLT units are delivering environmental benefits, direct and indirect financial savings, and reduced health, safety and environment risk, which have been welcomed by the on-site workforce.

Keywords: carbon emissions, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, cost savings, EcoQuip Australia Pty Ltd, environmental benefits, fauna friendly, lighting tower, reduced risk, solar.

Blair Hardman is an Environmental Manager/Scientist with 20 years’ experience in Project Management, Ecology, Environmental Approvals, technical environmental surveys and reporting within a range of marine and terrestrial environments. He currently fulfils the role of Lead HSE Specialist – Terrestrial Ecology at Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, with responsibilities including management of ecological surveys and reporting across Chevron’s Australian assets and Projects, as well as providing technical advice relating to land rehabilitation and Chevron’s internal Environmental Stewardship process. He has a keen interest in lower carbon related activities: leading projects relating to incorporation of renewable energy solutions in an operating asset environment. Post-graduate studies include the completion of a Masters by Research (Environmental Management) degree which focused on the management of endangered native Australian species and included publication of three peer reviewed articles in international journals. Professional employment during this period included a range of marine-based studies, primarily focusing on the impact of human interaction with dolphins, and also including surveys on a range of other marine mammals, reptiles, fish and vegetation.

Dave Sharp established EcoQuip in 2013 when he identified the opportunity for a global shift from diesel-powered stand-alone lighting and communication to solar and battery technology. With this in mind he designed, fabricated, and assembled four first generation Mobile Solar Lighting Tower solutions (MSLT – Gen1) at his home in Western Australia. Dave’s unique practical knowledge and capability in solar energy systems stems from over a decade of solar energy system design innovation, manufacture and supply, and formed the original foundation underlying all EcoQuip design and development endeavours. This response to a market gap for reliable mobile solar lighting and communications towers that could provide a more reliable, cost-effective and ecofriendly alternative to the diesel-powered alternative incumbent in the market has delivered a unique approach and new industry standard in mobile solar/battery energy system performance, reliability, telemetry, longevity and safety.

References

Pendoley Environmental Pty Ltd (2021) Temporary Lighting Tower Comparison – Technical Note. Internal Report for Chevron Australia Pty Ltd. Perth, Western Australia.