In the dynamic landscape of power generation, a Queensland Power Station has taken a leap forward with the introduction of new IWC pultruded cooling towers. IWC Australasia was recently awarded a contract to design and construct two new pultruded cooling towers with the support of its sub-contractor, UGL. Nestled near Biloela in central Queensland, the Power Station is a major contributor to Australia’s energy grid.
These cooling towers mark an important development for the Power Station. The project initiated a transformative phase, demolishing the existing wooden cooling towers and erecting new mechanical draught counter flow cooling towers with a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) structure. The two IWC cooling towers, each comprising 18 cells and stretching over 200 meters, represent a change in construction methodology for the power station.
Designed in accordance with CTI STD-137 & CTI STD-152 standards, these towers offer a host of advantages. Pultruded GRP has emerged as the material of choice for large, field-erected cooling towers due to its extended service life, rapid deployment capabilities, and reduced construction durations. Moreover, these towers exhibit chemical and corrosion resistance, high impact strength, and a remarkable combination of rigidity and lightweight design.
The decision to embrace pultruded technology is not just a leap forward; it’s a strategic move towards sustainability and efficiency. Unlike their wooden counterparts, pultruded cooling towers promise not only long-term reliability but also shorter construction timelines.
After months of hard work and extraordinary effort from the IWC Australasia team and sub-contractors, one of the unit’s at the Power Station is back in operation and as the project nears completion, the anticipation for the full restoration of the units has the industry excited.
With the integration of pultruded cooling towers, the Power Station is not just rebuilding; it’s redefining the standards for power infrastructure and will resonate in Australia’s energy landscape for years to come.
