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Fast-tracking a future in renewable energy: Dean Ashcroft’s journey with SAMCo
12 May 2025
About SAMCo
A new generation in renewable operations and maintenance services, Stanwell's Asset Maintenance Company (SAMCo) was established in 2023. This wholly owned subsidiary evolved from decades of operational excellence in running thermal, wind and hydro power stations - experience now being applied to the renewable energy transformation.
We invite any owner or developer of renewable assets looking for an operations and maintenance partner to contact us.
Contact SAMCoENERGY. OPTIMISED.
At SAMCo we apply the same high safety, reliability, and management standards we apply on our own assets, to optimise your asset.
Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company is here to provide asset owners, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and engineering procurement construction (EPC) companies across Australia with maintenance and asset management services for all forms of clean energy generation and storage.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
We provide operations and maintenance services across the complete spectrum of renewable energy assets, from wind and solar farms to grid-scale batteries, hydrogen production plants, pumped hydro storage, clean energy hubs and everything in between. Our operations and maintenance services maximise asset availability, reliability and profitability, ensuring consistent operational effectiveness.
SAMCo offers solar-specific operations and maintenance services, including cleaning and inspecting PV modules for damage, inspecting inverters, monitoring voltages and currents, and vegetation management.
SAMCo can also inspect array mounting systems, address array shading issues, and adjust array tilt where necessary.
In addition to site operation and maintenance, we also offer:
EPC/Client consulting advice to ensure your site is constructed for optimal operations and is established to comply with health and safety requirements.
Whole-of-life performance optimisation through design, support and solutions to inform and improve your operational performance over the life of your asset.
Remote monitoring and performance reports to maximise your return and improve/maintain a successful long-term project.
Thermal imaging to quickly identify unwanted heating throughout your installation (from combiner boxes, to inverters, panels and sub-array wiring).
Corrective maintenance solutions from SAMCo’s team of travelling technicians who are dedicated and ready to assist to minimise downtime.
SAMCo partners with OEMs to deliver all the required operations and maintenance services for wind farms, as well as asset management and asset optimisation.
This includes scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, managing time-based or production-based availability warranties, major component repairs and spare parts supply, 24/7 remote monitoring, and balance of plant maintenance.
We can provide one-off servicing or ongoing preventative maintenance, plus comprehensive on-site inspections to support your ongoing operational performance.
SAMCo has the capabilities to service the complete range of resources across the renewable energy sector.
As well as wind and solar farms, SAMCo can provide operations and maintenance and asset management services for grid-scale batteries, hydrogen production facilities, pumped hydro and more.
Apart from technical support, we are also able to provide asset owners with non-technical and soft-skills support service. These may include support during the build-phase of your renewable project including:
Community and stakeholder management
Compliance monitoring and advisory
Advice on energy markets and settlements
Contract reporting and more
Our expert team can consult with you from the very early stages of your project to ensure your site is designed and constructed in a way which drives long-term operations and maintenance efficiencies
SIX REASONS TO CHOOSE US FOR YOUR RENEWABLE PROJECT
Stanwell is Queensland’s largest energy asset owner and operator and has long been one of the most reliable and efficient energy generators in the National Electricity Market. Stanwell’s Asset Maintenance Company draws on decades of operational excellence and a proven power generation asset management approach.
We exist to deliver value to our owners – the people of Queensland. As a leading, respected energy provider and a Queensland Government-Owned Corporation, we are tasked to provide value by supplying affordable, firmed clean energy for the future, while providing local jobs and opportunities for local small businesses. That means local procurement and investment in local expertise you can trust, both in Queensland and our other great states.
Because Stanwell is also an asset owner, we know just how much asset availability and reliability matters to our partners. We bring that unique perspective to the renewable operations and maintenance sector. We are able to leverage Stanwell’s established systems, processes and capabilities to ensure we achieve them.
Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company guarantees transparent and clear contract boundaries and responsibilities, with terms that match your asset’s needs and maturity. We can help you transition from the OEM construction phase into long-term asset management, delivering greater value and unlocking the full potential of your site.
Stanwell's people have deep experience in asset ownership and management across Queensland. Our knowledge, work ethic and skilled people are the most important asset for energy’s future. Through our “Development Pathways Program”, we’re continuing to invest in and future-proof our people’s skills as renewable energy technology evolves.
Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company is backed by Queensland Government-Owned Corporation (GOC), Stanwell, which has consistently delivered strong returns and value to its owners, the people of Queensland. Our stable financial position and strong governance gives you the peace of mind that you will have a long-term partner in optimising your asset.
WORKFORCE. OPTIMISED.
It's not only energy generation we are optimising - we are also optimising jobs.
Earlier in 2024, Stanwell enabled mechanical tradespersons from our thermal power stations to work with GT Technologies, specialists in the maintenance and repair of wind turbine power transmissions, to perform a series of up-tower gearbox upgrades and repairs.
The Development Pathways Program took in six wind farms across four states. As well as stripping down and reassembling more than 200 gearboxes, the program enabled Stanwell’s people to develop their experience working at heights, applying their trade in the nacelles of wind turbines that can stand over 100 metres tall.
Ultimately, the success of the program proved that the skills gap between thermal plant mechanical tradespersons and wind turbine technicians is minimal – and that the experience of working on complex thermal power stations with over 5,500 control loops translates extremely well to working on wind turbines, which have just 55 control loops.
Similar programs are being developed so that Stanwell’s mechanical and electrical tradespersons can continue to build their hands-on experience with renewable technologies.
MEET THE ASSET MAINTENANCE TEAM
STEVE CLARK (ADIP ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING) General Manager Renewable Maintenance Services
SAMCo is led by Steve Clark, whose extensive understanding of power generation asset management, operations and maintenance has been forged over the course of three decades in the industry and a decade in the renewable energy space, managing wind, solar and pumped hydro storage assets across Australia.
ABDULLAH FARAQUE (FIEAUST, CPENG, RPEQ, MBA) Manager Electrical Systems and Renewable Maintenance Services
Abdullah Faraque has more than two decades of experience in asset management, operations and maintenance in the power generation and electricity transmission sectors, and has developed a skill set and a depth of knowledge that is readily transferable to renewable energy assets which is complemented with his passion for mentoring and coaching junior engineers and technicians.
REBECCA MANLEY (BBUS, BJOURN, MBA) Client Engagement and Business Strategist
With 15 years of experience in corporate communication and strategy within the energy and technology industries, Bec is focused on developing a seamless customer journey for SAMCo clients. She is working to identify and build key partnerships within the energy industry that will enable SAMCo to establish a relationship service delivery model that delivers mutual benefits for the business and for customers.
DAVE GEDDES Transition Site Superintendent
A team leader and analytical problem solver focused on measurable outcomes, Dave Geddes has extensive experience in operations and maintenance roles across multiple industries, including power generation, mining and emergency services. He is passionate about mentoring and developing staff and preparing them to play key roles as the energy industry evolves.
OUR PARTNERS
Stanwell Asset Maintenance serves as a reliable, local and trusted partner for a range of renewable energy asset owners, original equipment manufacturers and engineering procurement construction companies. Through these partnerships, we are creating future pathways for energy workers and providing ongoing regional employment, while ensuring our operations and maintenance expertise helps to accelerate the transition to a renewable future.
Vestas
We are providing electrical and civil balance of plant services to the 500MW two phase Wambo Wind Farm project for Vestas. Phase 1 operations will commence from 2025.
Genex Power
Genex has appointed SAMCo on a five year contract (2024-2029) to oversee the overall asset management and O&M services for the 50MW Kidston Solar Farm stage 3 in far north Queensland.
RATCH - Australia
SAMCo is responsible for the complete operations and maintenance of the Collinsville Solar site in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, comprising of some 180,000 individual solar PV panels and a generation capacity of 42.5MW. The maintenance contract commenced in July 2024.
Goldwind
Goldwind has selected SAMCo to provide skilled labour and general maintenance at its various wind assets across Australia. The contract commenced in May 2024.
GT Technologies
SAMCo is stripping, upgrading and reinstalling 200 gearboxes in wind turbines for GT Technologies. The project commenced in January 2023.
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