Darwin Zone Substation
Espec was awarded the supply and installation of the 66kV Cox Peninsula transmission feeder as part of the $40M Darwin Zone Substation project. This was a key infrastructure project with the new sub-station being the largest in the Northern Territory’s power system. The new substation is an indoor 66kV Gas Insulated Switchgear which replaced the outdoor 66kV switch yard.
Scope of works included:
- Installation of cables within the existing Darwin Tunnels to newly installed 66kV transmission poles.
- Cable brackets installed within the existing tunnels and between existing 11kV express feeders.
- 66kV terminations into a Siemens GIS and at the 66kV transmission poles with a 66kV pot head terminations.
- Application of fire-retardant coating to the cables from the GIS to where the cables exited the tunnels.
- Procurement of critical custom-manufactured cable by PLP, to ensure project milestones and completion dates were met.
- Commissioning for the 66kV cables including IR testing, polarisation index testing and sheath Integrity testing.
- Handover package for PWC which included NP001.8, ITPs, ITRs with methodology and as-constructed documents.
The 25MW Katherine solar farm project is the largest solar farm in the Northern Territory and includes a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 6MVA/3MWh.
The HV contract involved the installation of electrical services between the new solar farm and the existing Katherine substation.
The project scope included:
- Survey, trenching and hydro-vac for HV cables
- Supply, installation and construction of 4km of power poles and meter poles
- Construction of foundations for poles
- Construction of HV substation earthing for substation pole
- Supply of 63kVA / 22kVA pole top substation to PWC for installation
- Overhead cable pulling for connection at substation
- Supply and installation of switchboards
- Testing and commissioning.
In carrying out the electrical work, Espec coordinated with principal contractor BSR, as well as other contractors conducting civil works and mechanical installation. We attended regular project meetings to coordinate work around stakeholders’ requirements and maintain ongoing communication.
Espec was awarded the building electrical and incoming HV package for the new Bunnings Warehouse at Pierssene Rd, Yarrawonga which commenced in July 2019. The package includes high voltage infrastructure works, general power, data communications, access control, and lighting. We are looking forward to working with Sunbuild on this project which will be the first two-level Bunnings in the north of Australia. The project consists of approx. 32,000 square metres of underground carparking and retail space. The expected completion date is May 2020.
The Taminmin College 100kw solar installation was awarded to Espec in July 2019 is part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to 50% renewable energy by 2030. The project consisted of:
- Design and installation of 100kw roof mount, grid connect PV system
- Redesign of panel layout was required due to structural obstacles and roof services
- Engineered walkway incorporated into the design to allow for future maintenance access
- 4 x 25kw Fromius ECO inverters
- Installation of rail and mount system for 250 x LG NeON® 2 72 cell 400kw panels
- Power Amigo monitoring system was installed providing real time data to client on system efficiencies, the information is displayed on an LCD monitor in the college reception
- Safety management plan, permits, and project control plans were all submitted and approved prior to works commencing.
- Project was completed on time and with zero incident.
Palmerston Central Stage 2 was the first service implementation stage of this development on the corner of Temple Terrace and Roystonea Avenue in Palmerston.
The electrical component of this stage was the installation of the high voltage distribution system, underground power and comms reticulation for future tenancies, car park pole top lighting, main switchboard and electrical supply for the FX service station.
The brief for the project was an all-inclusive costing to include excavations and any rock that may be present, and works were to commence in September. The coordination between the in-ground services was paramount to ensure all trades met the project completion time and satisfied the main requirement which was to be able access to the services for the next stage without too much exploration.
The high voltage component of works required coordination with the Power and Water project team to navigate around existing HV services and road crossings. We installed a 500Kva MK3 pad mount transformer with associated concrete pad, ring main unit and connections to existing infrastructure.
The site main switchboard was housed in a dedicated switchboard building with cable pit and access for future cable installation. The 2000amp three phase board was pre-designed for the future tenancies with the 400amp three phase sub-mains being installed for the FX services station. The FX sub-mains, which is a 160m multiple conductor supply, was installed through the trafficable pit and conduit system. Car-park lighting control is housed within the landlord’s section of the switchboard for the car park lights which were installed during this phase of works.
- 500Kva high voltage installation
- Road crossings within existing PAWA HV system
- 2000amp development main switchboard
- Underground power and communications reticulation for future stage
- High efficiency carpark lighting installation and controls
- Pylon sign LED lighting
- 185mm x 160m parallel flexible Sub-mains for FX service station
- Commission and handover documentation
The refurbishment of Double Tree Esplanade included 196 guest rooms, adjacent corridors, function rooms, bathrooms and lift lobbies. These works were carried out in an operational hotel and included a full demolition, replacement of over 2000 light fittings and 3500 other electrical switches and outlets. Upgrades to 22 switchboards and the emergency lighting system were crucial in bringing the hotel up to current building code standards.
One of the challenges of the project was coordinating with a live hotel and ensuring minimal disruption for the guests and staff during the works. This was managed with weekly/daily meetings with hotel staff, a strict ‘no noise’ works timetable and a flexible approach to a very tight construction timeline.
The hotel was transformed through the inclusion of energy efficient LED lighting to all areas and the use of the Clipsal Iconic electrical range to modernise the rooms and comply with the hotel groups corporate branding. As part of this lighting upgrade, Espec negotiated with the supplier to obtain a 7-year manufacturer’s replacement warranty for LED fittings with no additional cost to the client.
The emergency lighting system was upgraded to a Clevertronic self-testing system, which has reduced costs by moving the chargeable monitoring of the emergency lighting to their maintenance team. An access portal was set up for the maintenance manager, with training provided so that they can monitor the system and inform Espec of any warranty defects that may occur.
The project included:
- 196 guest room refurbishment
- Works carried out in an operational hotel
- Demolition of existing services in guest rooms
- Chasing of concrete surface to allow for repositioning of lights and power outlets
- Installation of new Clipsal Iconic outlets and switches
- Installation of new high efficiency LED lighting and dimming system
- Design and installation of Clevertronics self-testing exit and emergency lighting system
- Installation of programable LED effect lighting in Grand Ballroom
- Upgrade of circuit protection to residual current device (RCD)
- Testing and reconfiguring of existing wiring
- Relocation and addition of data outlets for new smart TV system
- Installation of new WIFI access points throughout conference rooms

Espec was engaged by the Paspaley Properties team to deliver the fitout of the Paspaley Group’s new flagship headquarters in the Charles Darwin Centre.
A electrical management system was put in place to control lighting, air-conditioning systems and power usage to achieve a NABERS 5-star rating. This required specialist wiring, equipment, controls and commissioning in the form of Philips Dynalite/Dali products.
Architectural feature lights across the floors required specialist control modules to be sourced that were both compatible with the lights and the Dynalite lighting control system. Lighting was controlled with the use of motion detection, digital touch screen control pads and pre-programmed management settings.
Alterations were implemented to the buildings distribution system with additional distribution boards and metering installed to separate individual tenancies.
Espec identified a design fault with the base building power management system, presented a solution and worked closely with the Paspaley building management team during implementation.
Works were coordinated outside of business hours to avoid disruption to the general public and tenants, including Government agencies, operating in the building. Our team worked closely with Paspaley management and architects to ensure the finished product exceeded expectations.
Placement of multiple portable buildings for box cut operation at ERA’s Ranger Mine, Jabiru. Supply and installation of required services, structural footings, concrete paths and covered walkways. The joint venture between Espec and Overland Plumbing NT included:
- Planning and coordination of works
- Administration and application of required health and safety system
- Excavation and concreting in of structural posts
- Demountable buildings craned into position to form ablutions block complex
- Concrete walkways formed, poured and finished
- Post structure and roofing system installed over walkways
- Installation of electrical services including mains cables, mains switch board, tray work, underground conduits, air conditioning units, external lighting and power
- Installation of LED lofodlighting on 8m street-light poles for decline works areas
- Plumbing and drainage to buildings
- Storm water system including guttering, down pipes and required pits
- Fire hydrant system.


Espec was proud to work with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics on the RCD rectification works that were carried out at Palmerston Senior College, Moulden Primary School and Girraween Primary School. The project required extensive communication and collaboration with the school representatives to plan and execute the works around the schools’ schedules and with minimal disruption to school operations. The works included upgrading existing circuit breakers to RCDs and also upgrading the distribution boards.
The scope of work comprised of:
- Investigation of non compliant circuit breakers
- Removal and replacement of circuit breakers to RCD/MCBs
- Testing and reporting on loads/trip times
- Investigation of distribution boards that will require upgrading
- Disconnection and removal of existing distribution boards
- Installation of new distribution boards with allowance for spare capacity
- Upgrade circuit breakers to RCD/MCBs as required
- Provide updated distribution list to be mounted in board
- Full testing and commissioning of systems on completion

Lot 6439 Jessop Crescent is an eight building, multiple tenancy office and storage/workshop commercial development with a fresh modern design.
Intergain had chosen this site as their first commercial green field development and by combining office, workshop and storage facilities created a versatile and diverse hub in the new Berrimah Business Park.
Following completion of commercial maintenance works with Intergain Espec worked alongside the owner, to produce the final electrical design and were successful in winning the project.
The site is set o44n a corner in Berrimah Business Park with the front line of buildings following the line of the road. This made the development visually appealing but created setout issues at the underground/infrastructure stage and also in the accurate layout of light fittings within the office spaces.
The brief for the project was a solid design with quality fittings and energy efficiency. LED lighting was installed internally and externally with lighting control for security and access lighting. Moduline style duct was installed at skirting level to allow for the power and date services, leaving spare capacity within the duct for future requirements.
The project was delivered ahead of the construction time frame and by working closely with the Intergain Team at the design phase we were able to deliver the project to the clients requirements and under budget.

Infrastructure extension for a 16 lot subdivision for DHA within the Muirhead development. Low voltage supply cables and conduits installed from local sub station for domestic housing lots. Street lighting installed to DCC specifications.
Re-installation of electrical system on the HMAS Maryborough Armidale Class Patrol Boat following fire damage. Installation of complete electrical system including wiring, switch gear and controls. Included testing, PLC programming and commissioning. Sea trials carried out with Naval officers.
Installation of a general power, lighting and category6 communications system. Upgrade of emergency and exit lighting and installation of new track lighting.
Installation of a general power, lighting and category6 communications system to the Parrs area of Block D at Palmerston Senior College.
Installation of electrical services to male, female and disabled ablutions blocks. Works included stand-alone battery back-up solar system, general power, lighting, and generator back up.
Upgrades to remote housing including switchboard upgrades, and replacement of all fittings.
