Adelaide Airport solar energy system scrapped; working group seeks new concept for $837,000 project

An eight-month process launched by Adelaide Airport Limited in April to “enter into an arrangement” with an or ganisation or consortium “for the design, supply and install­ation” of the solar energy sys tem has been scrapped weeks from a planned media launch, according to Michael Owen, political reporter, in The Advertiser (17/9/2007, p. 23).

Limping project killed off: Adelaide Airport spokesman John McArdle said the consor tiums were told last month the initial concept “was dead”. An AAL-State Government working group had decided to “go for a completely new con cept”. “We went back to the draw ing board,” he said. Details of the new plan are still being developed. After inquiries by The Adver tiser, however, AAL admitted the project brief for shortlisted consortiums to “quote for the construction and commission ing of the system” had been abandoned last month.

Proposal details: AAL documents obtained by The Advertiser show after receiving 11 submissions, AAL in May shortlisted three consortiums. They were BP Solar/ Grieve Gillet/Martins Integrated/Wallbridge & Gilbert; Origin/Hassell/Wallbridge and Gilbert and GHD/TEQMan. The documents state AAL and the Government had agreed on solar systems for the Terminal 1 veranda on the Level 2 drop-off, Vickers Vimy Memorial Building and adjac ent walkway and the Cowandilla-Mile End linear park. AAL was to oversee the co struction phase, with consult ant Sustainable Focus to work with the successful party, AAL and ETSA to “ensure satisfac tory grid connection of the installed system”.

New concept with different company? The total budget allocated for the project was $837,000, including any connection costs charged by ETSA. The working group was negotiating the feasibility of the new “concept” with a private organisation, McArdle said. “Another idea, used within the city of Adelaide, has been identified,” he said.