[106] SKA-LOW Central Power Station Phase 2

Market survey notice

Scope Overview The SKAO will conduct an Invitation to Tender (ITT) procedure, the objective is to select a suitably qualified service provider to enter into a bespoke Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the SKAO for the supply of electricity at the SKA-Low Telescope site, located at Inyarrimanah Ilgari Bundara, CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in the Murchison area of Western Australia. The selected provider will be responsible for designing, building, and operating a remote power station, while maximising the contribution of renewable energy sources under a long-term PPA. The purpose of this initial Market Survey, is to seek input from the market to assess the readiness, capability, and interest of potential suppliers in delivering a hybrid power solution that may integrate with existing power station infrastructure at the SKA-Low site. The appointed supplier will play a critical role in supporting one of the most significant scientific endeavours of the 21st century. Their success will rely on demonstrated technical expertise and experience in the design, construction, and operation of hybrid power systems, and in supplying power under long-term, bespoke PPAs. The provision of power for the SKA-Low telescope site has been split in two phases. The Central Power Station (CPS) Phase 1 project consists of a diesel-powered system that will be installed and operated by SKAO. CPS Phase 1 is expected to be operational in early 2026. The CPS Phase 2 project aims to integrate a high-level fraction of renewable energy into the existing Phase 1 system by establishing a long-term PPA with an Independent Power Producer (IPP). The intention is for the Phase 1 system to be integrated into the new Phase 2 design by the IPP and the IPP will therefore adopt full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the complete power system. Whilst the CPS Phase 2 design is the responsibility of the IPP, it is envisaged that the design will be a diesel / solar photovoltaic (PV) / battery hybrid system, with the PV array capacity being in the range of 8-16MWp. The SKA-Low site is powered from a central location with power being reticulated throughout the site via an existing 11kV HV network. The electrical power from the CPS is supplied to the SKA-Low telescope facilities via the Receiving Substation to the Central Processing Facility (CPF) which then reticulates HV power out to the telescope core and the spiral arms. The connection point of CPS Phase 2 is the existing 11kV Receiving Substation that is located adjacent to the power station location. Local & Indigenous Engagement The SKAO is committed to supporting economic participation and development opportunities for the Wajarri Yamaji, the traditional owners and Native Title Holders of Inyarimanah Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-Astronomy Observatory, the lands on which the SKA-Low telescope is being built. As part of this commitment, we encourage submissions from local and Indigenous businesses and consortia that include meaningful participation. In alignment with our procedures, preference may be given to proposals that demonstrate one or more of the following elements: ● The business is at least 50% Wajarri-owned and registered with Wajarri Business Directory OR the Aboriginal Business Directory WA OR Supply Nation. ● The proposal includes subcontracting or partnering with local and Indigenous businesses. ● The proposal includes initiatives that deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to the Indigenous community, such as employment, training, or community engagement programs..

You can view details about the upcoming procurement by clicking Market survey notice in the menu on the left.