Minister launches construction of new power station

Electricity supplies during periods of high demand have been addressed with construction beginning on a peak-capacity power plant at Neerabup.

The plant to be built by NewGen Power, will provide an additional 330 megawatts of electricity to the South West Interconnected System in time for summer 2009-10.

Energy Minister Peter Collier said the natural gas-fired power station was important to meet the State's growing demand for peak generation capacity.

"When this generator comes online late next year it will be a great asset to our State's electricity system," Mr Collier said.

"It will provide a considerable boost to peak demand capacity for summer, when energy usage traditionally increases significantly.

"Our energy needs continue to increase with population growth and according to Independent Market Operator forecasts, electricity consumption and maximum demand will grow at an average of 3.9 per cent per annum to 2017-18."

NewGen Power, a joint venture between ERM Power and Babcock and Brown Power, is investing more than $420million into the new station, which will incorporate state-of-the-art, environmentally efficient technology, with low noise, low emission gas turbines.

Wanneroo MLA Paul Miles has welcomed the launch of the power station.

"Power generation from this facility will be a vital element in the creation of jobs for local people in the new Meridian Park Industrial Estate," Mr Miles said.

"The station will also assist in meeting the household peak in the hot summer months when power consumption increases."

Construction is expected to be completed by October 2009.

Minister's office - 9213 7150