Port Taranaki Power Station

 Port Taranaki Power Station Deconstruction Project

Overview:

The deconstruction of the Port Taranaki Power Station represents the largest and most complex demolition project ever undertaken in New Zealand, both in terms of scale and value. This landmark project involved the complete dismantling of one of the country’s largest coal-fired power stations.

Project Summary:

Port Taranaki Limited engaged Worley Parsons (WP) to oversee and manage the tendering process for the deconstruction project, attracting interest from demolition and scrap companies across Australia and New Zealand. Nikau’s proposal emphasised the critical importance of effective demolition over scrap recovery. Our bid underscored that the primary goal was the safe and efficient dismantling of structures, with scrap recovery being a secondary benefit. Nikau also highlighted its extensive experience with top-hung boiler demolitions, demonstrated through the successful Meremere Deconstruction Project.

The Port Taranaki Power Station (PTPS) is notable for its complexity and scale, marking the highest recovery of scrap metal to date in New Zealand. Key considerations influencing the deconstruction methodology included:

• Top-Hung Boilers: The PTPS features five top-hung boilers housed within a Boiler House approximately 50 meters in height.
• Turbine Dismantling: Dismantling of five turbines, each with maximum lift capacities of up to 60 tonnes.
• Environmental and Safety Concerns: The project is situated near a nationally recognised marine reserve to the north, home to a seal colony and diverse fauna and flora. This proximity necessitated rigorous environmental controls and careful planning.
• Structural Constraints: Implosion techniques were prohibited due to adjacent fuel tanks. The Turbine Hall and the 198-meter chimney, formerly the tallest structure in New Zealand before the Auckland Skycity, were to remain intact. Special care was taken to avoid damage during the removal of ducting from the Boiler House to the chimney.
• Live High Voltage Cables: The turbine hall contained live high-voltage cables supplying power to approximately 20,000 consumers in Taranaki, requiring meticulous care to prevent any damage during deconstruction.

Contractor Responsibilities:

• Deconstruction: Comprehensive dismantling of New Zealand’s second-largest coal-fired power station.
• Asbestos Removal: Safe removal of asbestos materials throughout the site.
• Structural Demolition: Utilisation of cut-and-crane techniques for large structural elements, including sections weighing up to 90 tonnes.
• Concrete Recycling: Crushing and recycling of over 20,000 cubic meters of concrete for site backfilling.
• Heavy Machinery Operations: Employment of high-reach demolition equipment and heavy machinery.
• Live Assets Management: Coordination around live assets, including heavy transformers owned by Transpower.
• Turbine Hall Slab: Reconstruction of the turbine hall slab with a 200mm thick fiber-reinforced slab covering approximately 10,000 square meters.

The Port Taranaki Power Station deconstruction project was unprecedented in its size and scope, presenting a range of common and unique hazards. Nikau’s team developed and implemented practical, achievable solutions to effectively address these challenges, ensuring a successful and safe project completion.

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Pease click on the link to view the video of this project https://vimeo.com/135509448