Strong interest in developing electricity generation projects

19/11/98

Western Australian and Australian companies have shown strong interest in developing electricity generation projects in the West Kimberley region of the State.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett announced today that 15 organisations had submitted expressions of interest (EOI) after the State Government advertised last month for power generation covering the towns of Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Camballin and Halls Creek.

Of the groups, 11 are based in WA and the remainder are based in either Victoria or Queensland.

The EOI process followed the Minister's announcement earlier this year of a new policy for electricity supply in remote regional areas, signalling the Government's intention to provide an efficient and cost-effective power supply in regional WA.

This weekend, expressions of interest will be called for the Mid West region, to include the townships of Mt Magnet, Cue, Meekatharra, Yalgoo, Wiluna and Sandstone. Before the end of the month, EOIs will also be called for supply to the Esperance system.

Mr Barnett said he was very pleased at the strong interest shown in the energy development projects. He said the response showed support for the State's new energy policy and opened the way for new and significant investment in regional areas.

"There is a healthy mix of local, interstate and internationally-recognised energy companies interested in the West Kimberley power project with expertise that is well renowned and capable of ensuring world's best practice," Mr Barnett said.

Through the EOI process, companies had to demonstrate:

·      technical and financial capability to develop and operate a safe, reliable and technically-sound electricity supply adequate to meet Western Power's requirements on a long-term basis; and -

·      a high standard of project management in developing similar projects in the energy field.

After an assessment of the expressions of interest, a shortlist of selected proponents will be invited to submit detailed tender proposals for assessment by a steering committee, headed by the Department of Resources Development and involving the Office of Energy and Western Power.

Detailed tenders are expected to be received early next year and will then be assessed. Mr Barnett said he expected a decision on a proponent for the West Kimberley to be made in April.

The closing date for expressions of interest for the Mid West region is December 14. A decision on a successful proponent is expected by June.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, (08) 9222 9699