Project Overview
Origin Energy is buidliding a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Eraring Power Station in New South Wales, Australia. The first phase, with a capacity of 460MW and a two-hour dispatch duration, will be fully operational by the end of 2025. The BESS supports renewable energy by stabilising the National Energy Grid and using existing infrastructure to maximise efficiency.
Challenges
Ensuring Traffic Compliance at Eraring BESS Construction Site
To comply with Development Approval conditions, the project needed to manage traffic, limiting daily truck movements to minimize the impact on the local community and environment. Peak construction traffic was capped at 128 light vehicles and 60 heavy vehicles per day.
Solution
Evercam Gate Monitoring System for Automated Traffic Compliance
Origin Energy implemented Evercam's Gate Monitoring system with AI-powered construction cameras at the site entrance to accurately monitor and record all vehicle movements. The AI technology differentiates trucks from light vehicles and records the time of each truck movement. This detailed tracking allows for the daily reporting of total vehicle counts. As a result, precise data is ensured for compliance purposes.
This automated system supplemented manual checks by security guards and integrated with Evercam's live construction cameras to provide comprehensive visibility across the site. It allowed efficient monitoring of areas like erosion and sediment control as well.
Improving Compliance and Operations with Evercam Gate Monitoring
Real-time traffic monitoring data enabled Origin to optimize traffic schedules, resulting in the avoidance of potential fines and mitigation of community disruptions. This optimization also streamlined environmental and compliance reporting while reducing the need for extensive security staffing.
Through the efficient allocation of resources and a reduction in onsite security requirements, Origin achieves significant cost savings. This approach allows for a more streamlined and cost-effective operation.
Benefits
- Increased Efficiency: AI construction cameras provide accurate vehicle tracking, surpassing manual methods.
- Community Impact Mitigation: Optimised traffic scheduling reduced disruptions and prevents council fines.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced need for onsite security allows better resource allocation.
- Environmental Monitoring: Real-time feeds help manage erosion and sediment control.
- Improved Reporting: Automated records and time-lapse videos streamline internal reporting and compliance tracking.
Results
The Evercam system significantly reduced operational costs by decreasing the need for security personnel and helped manage environmental risks during adverse weather. This approach ensured compliance, minimized potential fines, and enhanced overall project efficiency.
