Lower GHG emissions and 30 per cent more electricity from the same fuel
The Pilbara’s most efficient combined-cycle natural gas power station officially opened today in South Hedland, securing electricity supply to residents and businesses across the Pilbara.
TransAlta Energy Australia, owner-operator of the AU$570 million station, marked the milestone with a formal opening attended by the head of its Canadian parent company, President and CEO, Dawn Farrell, and foundation customer Horizon Power.
The 150 MW power station provides low-cost electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions, feeding power into the North West Interconnected System (NWIS), which serves approximately 47,500 people across Karratha, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Point Samson and Roebourne.
Unlike other natural gas-powered stations in the region, the South Hedland combined-cycle gas power station uses both gas and steam turbines, which together produce up to one-third more electricity from the same fuel than a traditional simple-cycle plant. The waste heat from the gas turbine is routed to the nearby steam turbine, which generates additional electricity and energy.
We are proud to be working with Horizon Power and proud of our work in Australia over the past 20 years and the facilities we have built and maintained in Western Australia,- said TransAlta President and CEO, Dawn Farrell.
We are here to stay in the Pilbara and to have Horizon Power as a key and substantial customer with TransAlta.
South Hedland power station is a clean, cost-effective, important driver of growth, jobs and infrastructure in the Pilbara region, added Ms. Farrell.
Ms Farrell joined Horizon Power’s Managing Director, Frank Tudor, Chairman, Ian Mickel and Parliamentary Secretary to the Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, MLA for the opening.
Completion of the South Hedland Power Station is the outcome of our partnership with TransAlta and several years of work, and is part of a bigger vision to have a fully integrated and coordinated electricity network in the Pilbara,- said Horizon Power’s Frank Tudor.
This new station ensures customers are buying power from the most cost-effective system possible.
This project is a great example of a public-private partnership working together to deliver the right outcomes for the resources sector and regional communities,- said Mr Tudor.
The power station, which has been generating power since July, has an operating life of 40 years and will serve what is expected to be ever-increasing demand from a growing population.
TransAlta has operated in Western Australia since 1996, with six facilities totaling 450 MW of electricity generating capacity. The company’s role in helping to secure energy supply in the region provides a firm foundation upon which hundreds of businesses and thousands of local residents rely to fuel a burgeoning local economy. In other Australian investments, the company is currently also developing the Goonumbla 70 MW solar farm located in NSW.
TransAlta’s Western Australia operations include:
- South Hedland Power Station
- Southern Cross Energy (Located in Kambalda, Mount Keith, Leinster & Kalgoorlie)
- Fortescue River Gas Pipeline
- Parkeston Gas Power Station
About TransAlta
TransAlta develops new, and owns and operates a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. We provide municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers clean, affordable, energy efficient, and reliable power. Today, we are Canada’s largest producer of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of hydro-electric power. For over 100 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud community-member where its employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and we have been recognized by CDP (formerly Climate Disclosure Project) as an industry leader on Climate Change Management. We are also proud to have achieved the Silver level PAR (Progressive Aboriginal Relations) designation by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.
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