ABB to modernise automation at Pelican Point Power Station

ABB has announced it has been selected by ENGIE Australia to modernise the Pelican Point Power Station distributed control system infrastructure. The combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility, which is located on the Lefere Peninsula, 20 km north-west of central Adelaide, provides approximately 50% of South Australia’s annual thermal power generation needs. The natural gas-fired power station features two gas turbines and one steam turbine, generating a maximum capacity of 532 MW of electricity.

ABB will modernise the facility’s Advant controllers to the latest ABB Ability System 800xA controller, AC 800M, for one of the gas turbines and the steam turbine to enhance the automation technology, strengthen cybersecurity and improve real-time monitoring.

“Pelican Point Power Station plays a key role in supporting South Australia’s energy supply, and this modernisation reflects our continued commitment to maintaining strong operational performance and preparing for future demands,” said Tanvir Momin, DCS Engineer, Pelican Point Power Station. “Our collaboration with ABB is delivering meaningful outcomes by strengthening efficiency, reliability and long-term asset value, as well as positioning the station for sustained performance in a changing energy landscape.”

Backed by a longstanding ABB Care agreement, ABB has long remained a partner at Pelican Point, providing ongoing maintenance and technical expertise, while proactively identifying opportunities to upgrade and extend the life of this key asset. ABB says that since 2019, ABB has supported the evolution of the facility’s critical systems to ensure continued reliability, operational stability and long-term performance.

To meet the growing demand for energy in South Australia, where reliability of supply and asset longevity are critical, the collaboration with ENGIE has focused on strengthening the facility’s ability to deliver consistent, efficient power to the grid while preparing for future operational demands.

“Modernisation of control systems is essential to maintain stable and reliable power supply that communities and industries depend on,” said Aaron Trueman, Vice President of ABB’s Energy Industries division in Australia. “By combining our deep expertise with a strong partnership approach, we are supporting Pelican Point Power Station to enhance performance, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term resilience.”

Electricity consumption in Australia is projected to increase from approximately 180 TWh today to around 210–230 TWh by 2030, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. In response to rising demand, modernisation has become a critical priority for energy producers, particularly operators of existing power plants, to ensure they can continue to deliver reliable and efficient electricity supply.

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