A new agreement with Perth-based company Pointerra Limited is allowing Western Power to deploy a 3D digital twin platform across the transmission network enhancing overall network performance and resilience.
The 3D digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset that combines precise 3D modelling and is expected to deliver safety and operational benefits by reducing travel to, and reliance on, routine site visits, as well as enabling more effective pre-job planning.
Western Power A/Executive Manager Asset Management Ben Bristow said transmission substations form the backbone of the network, supporting the safe and reliable delivery of power to homes, businesses, and industry.
“The contract marks a significant step in Western Power’s digital transformation program and reflects our growing adoption of advanced spatial technologies,” Mr Bristow said.
“Under the agreement, high-resolution 3D datasets captured using LiDAR and photogrammetry are integrated into an interactive digital environment. This enables engineers and asset managers to remotely visualise and analyse substation infrastructure with engineering-grade precision,” he said.
Our expert teams are now able to conduct virtual inspections and collaborate remotely, supporting:
- Reduced exposure to field-based hazards,
- Improved planning for maintenance, upgrades, and outages,
- Faster engineering assessments and decision-making, and
- Greater coordination across geographically dispersed teams.
“The 3D digital twin platform enhances our ability to make informed, risk-based investment decisions by improving visibility of asset condition and configuration, and workforce efficiency,” he said.
The platform has already proved beneficial, recently assisting the replacement of a critical transformer with engineers able to remotely make precise measurements of the asset currently on-site. This meant designers were able to draw accurate designs ready for the manufacturer to fabricate more quickly.
Long term, the platform is expected to support more targeted network maintenance strategies, improving the lifecycle management of critical assets and better prioritisation of investment. Improving network performance and resilience.
As energy systems become increasingly complex, the adoption of scalable digital twin solutions is expected to play a critical role in enabling utilities to manage assets more efficiently, respond to emerging risks, and plan for future network demands for the benefit of the WA community.