Case studies
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LARGE ELECTRICITY GENERATION COMPANY
Certainty in Connection:
Enabling the energy transition through prompt connection of firming synchronous generation assets in the electricity network
The Challenge
A major energy asset owner and operator was developing a gas turbine firming power station as part of a pivot in their gas and electricity portfolio. With land and an upstream gas position secured, connecting their power station to the electricity network was emerging as a critical path barrier to financial close and delivery. The challenge was to progress the project in the highlight regulated electricity connection process with a transmission network service provider to minimise this barrier while managing the progress of the project to a target generator performance standard.
Our Solution
Blackstart took an approach to utilise mature industry standard models and equivalent circuits of common industry applications of the selected technology configuration to progress the project while further work in engineering design and procurement progressed in parallel. This meant that the connection process, and associated compliance requirements associated with the national electricity rules, was progressed concurrently. This approach allowed the generator proponent to progress commercial negotiation of the gas turbine supply agreement, while defining a realistic generator performance target to pull engineering design towards. With this performance standard well understood and a pathway to realisation clearly identified, the commercial approach establishing the connection became clear and could be progressed in advance of further technical activities.
In this way, a commonly encountered obstacle to solid commercial outcomes was minimised.
Results
Established a clear and achievable technical outcome based on sound engineering judgement
Minimised schedule risk to programme by having a bias for action
Identified and executed on commercial opportunities identified through risk based technical approach
LARGE ELECTRICITY GENERATION COMPANY
Structuring to Succeed:
Establishing the commercial components to enable investment decisions on complex project transactions
The Challenge
The Project involved supporting the commercial development of a new gas turbine project and an associated gas pipeline. This required implementation of a robust commercial structure to attract investment and ensure long-term operational viability, as well as supporting a competitive equity process. Timely structuring was critical to meet internal milestones and investor expectations.
Our Solution
We partnered with the client and their advisers to support the strategic structuring and objectives of the project, focusing on both innovation and long-term stability. Blackstart supported a client led equity process and the development of a novel equity structure that balanced risk and return across stakeholders, while also supporting the development of key commercial agreements, including gas delivery. Our approach combined deep industry knowledge, commercial and contract expertise, and a collaborative process that ensured alignment with the client’s strategic goals.
Results
Successfully implemented an innovative equity structure that attracted key investors
Developed robust agreements supporting long-term gas delivery and project development
Improved stakeholder confidence through clear and balanced commercial terms
Enabled critical project milestones to be met
Strengthened the project’s long-term commercial viability
LARGE ELECTRICITY GENERATION COMPANY
Understanding the Rules:
Successful compliance required developing a strategic pathway and a complete understanding
The Challenge
A major participant in the National Electricity Market faced a significant compliance issue following a recent change to the National Electricity Rules. Their existing contractual arrangements meant it was not possible to comply with the new requirement. The client was under pressure to resolve the issue quickly to avoid potential enforcement action and reputational risk, but lacked a clear pathway to resolution.
Our Solution
We conducted a detailed assessment of the client’s obligations under the Rules and contractual arrangements and developed a strategic pathway for resolution. We proactively liaised with the Australian Energy Regulator and the Australian Energy Market Operator, presenting a clear case for exemption. Our approach balanced regulatory rigour with constructive advocacy.
Results
Secured a formal exemption from the Rule requirement
Avoided potential non-compliance penalties and reputational damage
Provided the client with a clear compliance pathway
Strengthened the client’s relationship with key regulatory bodies
Demonstrated the value of early, strategic regulatory engagement
LARGE ENERGY GENERATION COMPANY
Strategy to Action incorporating Bowties:
Roadmapping transformations for asset intensive organisations and integrating Process Safety & Critical Risk Management
The Challenge
A major energy asset owner was seeking a rapid, organisation-wide view of its asset management and process safety maturity across multiple assets. With growing stakeholder scrutiny and the need for a sharper “line of sight” from boardroom to boiler room, the business recognised that traditional approaches weren’t enough. The challenge was to understand—quickly, but meaningfully—where their controls fell short, and to galvanise a plan for action across people, plant and processes.
Our Solution
Blackstart delivered an integrated current-state and critical risk assessment using a structured, 80:20 diagnostic approach grounded in international standards. We brought together people at all levels, supplemented by plant and process information, to gauge and engage the organisation. Using our Maturity Model, we highlighted where strong foundations existed—and where work was needed, and how that work could be implemented with higher certainty of success. Drawing on sector-specific benchmarked Bowties that incorporate the learnings from global asset portfolios and risk models, we mapped hundreds of key controls across their site major accident hazards. Our approach combined technical rigour with practical insight—translating system complexity into confident decisions.
The engagement didn’t just reveal gaps—it unlocked internal ownership and set the scene for change.
Results
Benchmarked the organisation and their complex assets against robust frameworks and expectations
Created an actionable roadmap incorporating tried and tested tools and approaches to provide a head start and high confidence in delivery
Identified critical shortfalls in operational discipline and visibility of critical assets
Enabled regulatory compliance for workplace health and safety: Senior leaders could demonstrate due diligence and that risks were being managed so far as reasonably practicable (SFARP)
Enabled senior leaders to connect strategy to practical actions
