The integrated power and control for WICET’s conveyor systems will ensure reliable, energy efficient performance that will speed transport of coal to end customers in Asia, according to ABB.

The conveyor control system would also optimise the overall energy efficiency of the conveyor systems over their expected lifetime, ABB Australia manager Axel Kuhr said.

“We are pleased that our integrated power and automation solution for conveyors was selected for this project as it offers superior performance over traditional conveyor drive control systems,” he said.

“The speed and efficiency of these conveyors will help the coal leave the export terminals in Australia for their markets in Asia more quickly; this can positively impact mine profitability and expansion plans in the region.”

Located in Gladstone, WICET is owned and being developed by existing and potential coal exporters in Queensland to provide increased long-term export coal capacity.

The initial stage of the project will provide 27 million tonnes per annum in export capacity, with first coal shipments planned for 2014.

Once fully commissioned, the multibillion-dollar terminal will provide capacity of more than 80Mtpa through the Port of Gladstone.

ABB is responsible for the design, engineering and supply of an integrated electrical and control solution for the terminal’s 5.5km-long overland conveyor and the 2km-long jetty conveyor systems.

The scope of supply includes 13 modular switch rooms and five control rooms, complete with structural and electrical ancillary equipment.

ABB will also provide distribution transformers, 22-kilovolt switchgear, low voltage single and multidrives and a mine conveyor control program to manage ABB’s ACS 1000 medium voltage drives and motors.

Project delivery is scheduled for late 2013.