ABB reported July 21 that it’s been selected by Engie Australia to modernize the utility’s Pelican Point Power Station, and upgrade its distributed control system (DCS) infrastructure with the AC 800M ABB Ability System 800xA controller to enhance performance and reliability. The controller will be added to one of the gas turbines and its steam turbine to enhance automation, strengthen cybersecurity and improve real-time monitoring. 

Located 20 km northwest of central Adelaide on the Lefere peninsula, Pelican Point is a natural gas-fired, combined-cycle, gas-turbine (CCGT) power station with two gas turbines and one steam turbine. It has a maximum capacity of 532 MW, and fulfills approximately 50% of South Australia’s annual thermal power generation needs.

“Pelican Point plays a key role in supporting South Australia’s energy supply, and this modernization reflects our continued commitment to maintaining strong operational performance and preparing for future demands,” says Don Ivory, engineer and maintenance manager at Engie. “Our collaboration with ABB delivers meaningful outcomes by strengthening efficiency, reliability and long-term asset value, as well as positioning the station for sustained performance in a changing energy landscape.”

Thanks to a longstanding care agreement, ABB remains a trusted partner at Pelican Point, providing ongoing maintenance and technical expertise, while proactively identifying opportunities to upgrade and extend asset life. The company has supported evolution of the plant’s critical systems since 2019 to ensure continued reliability, operational stability and long-term performance. To meet growing demand for energy in South Australia, where reliability of supply and asset longevity are critical, ABB’s collaboration with Engie has focused on strengthening the facility’s ability to deliver consistent, efficient power to the grid while preparing for future operational demands.

“Modernizing control systems is essential to maintaining stable and reliable power supply that communities and industries depend on,” adds Aaron Trueman, VP of ABB’s Energy Industries division in Australia. “By combining our expertise with a strong partnership approach, we support Pelican Point’s effort to enhance its performance, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term resilience.”