Tackling Ageing Infrastructure and Renewables in Tertiary Education

Universities across Australia are faced with the challenge of modernising ageing infrastructure originally built for a different era. These campuses often grapple with outdated electrical systems, inadequate technology infrastructure, and limited on-site renewable energy generation. Addressing these issues effectively requires more than reactive fixes; it demands a strategic, forward-looking approach that balances budgets, supports future needs, and aligns with sustainability aspirations.

Here’s how Lucid worked with South Australia's Flinders University to address these challenges:

Flinders University – 11kV Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade

Flinders University’s Bedford Park campus, supported by a high-voltage (11kV) ring-main network originally installed in 1965, required a significant overhaul to meet current and future demands. Lucid developed a comprehensive 11kV Master Plan that examined asset condition, capacity, and regulatory compliance, as well as historical operational data. This master plan guided infrastructure upgrades that ensured reliable, scalable power delivery to accommodate future growth.?

• Detailed Asset Analysis: Lucid conducted condition audits, dissolved gas analyses, and capacity evaluations to identify risks and areas requiring prioritisation.
• Strategic Master Planning: Through extensive stakeholder engagement, we assessed operational requirements and forecasted demand to inform a staged and cost-effective upgrade pathway.
• Minimising Operational Disruptions: Lucid implemented critical changeover works in a live campus environment, maintaining essential operations and ensuring safety.
• Targeted Risk Mitigation: By categorising risks in areas such as safety, regulatory compliance, and financial impacts, Lucid provided Flinders University with clear priorities for capital investment and resource allocation.

Flinders University – Large-Scale Solar PV System

Driven by their carbon reduction goals, Flinders University also embarked on an extensive solar photovoltaic (PV) installation across its Bedford Park campus. Lucid’s role as Engineering Project Manager ensured the project was completed in alignment with these sustainability targets, with more than 1.8 MW of solar PV systems installed across car parks and rooftops on major buildings.

• Optimal Infrastructure Integration: Lucid provided technical advice to integrate the solar systems seamlessly with the campus’s existing infrastructure, enabling reliable and scalable renewable energy generation.
• Maximising Space Utilisation: By constructing solar shade structures over car parks, Lucid enabled dual-purpose use of campus space, providing both energy generation and shaded parking.
• Future-Ready Design: The infrastructure includes dedicated inverter rooms, new distribution transformers, and switchboards, all designed to support expanded renewable capacity over time.
• System Resilience and Reliability: Lucid completed high-voltage system modelling, load flow analysis, and protection studies to ensure system reliability and adherence to safety standards.

Through these projects, Lucid has helped Flinders University modernise its campus infrastructure, supporting sustainable growth, operational reliability, and safety compliance. Tailored solutions enable universities to achieve their sustainability goals and address the evolving needs of the tertiary sector.

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If you’re interested in learning more about our infrastructure solutions or want to discuss your own challenges, we’re here to help. Chat with our tertiary education experts to see how we can assist with future-proofing your campus.