Verve fires up new high efficiency gas turbines

Energy Minister Peter Collier today opened Western Australia's newest and most efficient power generation units, located at Verve Energy's Kwinana Power Station.

  • Verve brings $300million high efficiency gas turbines on line

  • State Government committed to new technology in electricity generation

Energy Minister Peter Collier today opened Western Australia's newest and most efficient power generation units, located at Verve Energy's Kwinana Power Station.

The two new high efficiency gas turbines (HEGTs) are the first of their kind to become operational in Australia and represent the latest in gas turbine technology.  The machines add 200MW of flexible, efficient gas fired generation to the WA power system and Verve Energy's already diverse portfolio.

"The new HEGTs represent an investment by the State Government of $263million in a long-term power asset for WA that combines excellent efficiency with extremely flexible operating capabilities," Mr Collier said.

"They replace older generators at Kwinana Power Station, reinforce the security of power supplies in WA as demand continues to grow and will assist Verve Energy's balancing operations in the WA power system, in particular in supporting its unique role in driving renewable energy platforms in WA."

Key features of the new HEGTs include significantly improved efficiency compared to their predecessors; fast start capabilities, lower emissions and superior hot weather performance, which make them ideal for the WA power system.

The HEGTs continue Verve Energy's transition in the competitive electricity market and improve Verve's overall plant efficiency by making better use of fuel, in particular the gas, freed up by the closure of older machines at Kwinana Power Station.

The Minister said the HEGTs were a tangible illustration of the Liberal-National Government's commitment to investing in the State's energy sector to ensure security of supply and greater efficiencies and technologies that will reduce the burden on the taxpayer in the long term.

     Fact File

  • HEGTs are up to 43% more efficient at full load than the plant they replace

  • HEGTs feature 'fast start' capabilities (about 12 minutes to full load)

  • Can handle stop-start operating conditions which are damaging to other plant not designed for that type of operation

Minister's office - 6552 6300