A project is underway at RG Tanna Coal Terminal in Gladstone to upgrade a set of light towers and reduce energy consumption by 55 per cent.

Four coal stockpile light towers reaching almost 50m high will be upgraded in the first stage of work and will feature new arc-fault rated switchboards, control system equipment and the latest LED light technology.

It is part of an infrastructure project that includes the upgrade of 18 light towers over three years and is expected to cost about $8 million.

Gladstone Ports Corporation says the work will significantly increase the lifespan of the light towers for up to 20 years.

Electrical engineering superintendent Scott O’Brien said the project aimed to reduce light spillage while still supplying sufficient light to conduct operations safely.

“The four light towers are just the first stage of the upgrades and eventually we will have 18 light towers with the new technology,” he said.

GPC currently maintains the lights with the help of Lincon Logistics, which provides a 70m tower truck to help with the fitting, repair and replacement of lighting on the stockpile towers at RG Tanna Coal Terminal.