RAES First Nations Community Microgrid Constructor

To align with the Remote Area Energy Supply (RAES) strategic objective of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity, the Department intends to transition select remote First Nations communities from diesel-generated electricity to hybrid renewable energy systems.

The RAES administers electricity supplied to remote townships and communities through the RAES State and Independent Operator schemes.

This project relates to the First Nations communities of Pipalyatjara on Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Yalata on Yalata Aboriginal Lands and Oak Valley on Maralinga Tjarutja Lands.

Special consideration is taken to ensure service delivery to these communities is conducted in a culturally respectful manner that considers the needs of the people residing in these very remote locations.

Currently, the majority of these communities rely on diesel-fueled power stations. This dependency imposes high operational costs and risks to energy reliability, particularly during adverse weather events that disrupt diesel deliveries.

Scope:

The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM), Remote Area Energy Supply (RAES) is seeking suitably qualified Constructors to supply, install, and commission upgraded power systems in the First Nations communities of Pipalyatjara, Yalata and Oak Valley.

A key requirement of the RAES First Nations Microgrid project is to deliver a demonstrable and measurable benefit to the three communities. This is to be achieved through the improvements in reliability of the upgrades power systems and through a 20-year fixed tariff agreement.

Communities must be provided the opportunity to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development and ongoing maintenance of energy infrastructure. Therefore, community inclusion is vital in the construction and ongoing operational maintenance of the assets.

Stages in the Procurement:

Stage 1: RAES will approach the market with high-level requirements for the site construction works, focusing on suppliers’ capability and experience in delivering construction projects in remote First Nations communities. The evaluation will assess capability and experience, delivery systems, organisational warranties, and the level of acceptance of the proposed contract terms and conditions. Short-listed suppliers from this stage will progress to Stage 2.

Stage 2: RAES will issue the complete Detailed Design package through an Owner’s Engineer (OE) to the short-listed suppliers. This package will contain all necessary information for suppliers to submit a fixed-price offer for the entire scope of works.

Owner Engineer Role (for Context)

For reference, a separate procurement will secure an OE to deliver the detailed engineering design and provide technical oversight. The OE’s scope includes:

• The OE will be tasked with developing a comprehensive engineering design, encompassing site layout, earthing grid design, protection review and configuration files, SCADA requirements and integration into the RAES SCADA system, low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) integration.

• The scope of work will further include establishing a protection philosophy for renewable energy sites, designing power control systems, and configuring BESS as grid-forming units.

• The sizing of batteries and solar installations will be based on RAES's initial modelling and requirements to achieve a target of 75% renewable energy penetration at each site.

• This detailed design will form the foundation for the tender documents for the construction phase.

• By delivering a detailed and effective engineering design and supporting a structured construction tender process, the Owner's Engineer will help ensure the project adheres to RAES technical specifications and standards.

The OE will remain engaged during construction and commissioning to verify adherence to design specifications and applicable standards.

Through this tender, the DEM seeks to engage a Constructor which can demonstrate:

• First Nations cultural capability and an eagerness to engage with and employ local First Nations community members

• Experience in delivering energy infrastructure projects in remote/very remote locations

• Capacity to deliver high-quality outcomes

• Work with multiple stakeholders

• Deliver the OE Detail Design.

Technical Scope

• Civil works construction and site preparation

• Generator control system upgrades

• Fuel reticulation system installation and control upgrades

• PV solar array and inverter installation

• BESS installation including isolation transformers

• Switchboards, protection systems, and system control hardware

• Temporary backup generation systems

• Overhead HV/LV power line infrastructure.

Briefings

Briefing - Wednesday 24th September 2025 10:30am

A briefing session will be held on 10:30 am 24 September 2025.

Notes: Wednesday 24th September 202510:30am - 12:30pm Level 4, 11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, or Online via MS Teams.