Approval granted to construct 105 megawatt gas-fired power station at Newman

11/5/95

BHP Minerals has entered the second phase of its $310 million Pilbara Energy Project after approval was granted this week to construct a 105 megawatt gas-fired power station at Newman.

Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett said work would start immediately to build the power station which would be supplied with gas through a spur line from the proposed $400 million Gas to the Goldfields pipeline.

The Minister this week approved the power station plans as a part of the Pilbara Energy Project Agreement.

"The Newman station, which will replace the present diesel-fired station, will feature three gas turbines and will provide power to BHP Iron Ore's operations and the Newman township," Mr Barnett said.

He said construction of the power station was expected to be completed by March next year.

"Gas turbines represent a clean generating process, with this new power station using state-of-the-art, environmentally sound technology," Mr Barnett said.

The first phase of the Pilbara Energy Project involved the construction of a 105 MW gas-fired power station at Port Hedland, with gas to be supplied through a pipeline from Karratha.

Construction of the Port Hedland station and the pipeline have been completed and commissioning is in progress.

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars  222 9699