Energy infrastructure will boost regional economy

23/4/04
Esperance and the surrounding region are set for an economic boom following the completion of an energy infrastructure upgrade worth more than $100million.
Acting Premier and Energy Minister Eric Ripper, in Esperance for the opening of the new gas-fired Esperance power station, said the energy infrastructure was the cornerstone for future economic and social development.
"For the first time, North-West shelf gas will be piped to the southern coast, opening up the prospect of more jobs and opportunities in communities from Kambalda through to Esperance," Mr Ripper said.
"Reliable and plentiful power supplies and a source of energy such as natural gas are essential for commercial and industrial development. Those ingredients for success now are in place."
The Acting Premier said the investment included:

• opening of the $10million, Nine Mile Beach wind farm;

• construction of a new $45million gas-fired power station in Esperance;

• construction of a $45million, 330km gas pipeline from Kambalda to Esperance; and

• construction of a new substation, underground cable to the power station and upgrading scores of transformers at a cost of $6million.

Mr Ripper said the go-ahead for the Ravensthorpe nickel project meant further benefits for the region as the project workforce took up residence and the port felt the effects of the nickel exports.
The pipeline and power station were built by energy giant Burns and Roe Worley (BRW) after the company was successful in a competitive tender process to replace Western Power's ageing diesel power station.
The Acting Premier said the company would supply electricity to Western Power at a lower generation cost and at higher environmental standards than existing diesel generators.
"We expect this project to slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent, compared with Western Power's old diesel power station," he said.
The power station would supply Western Power's 6,327 business and residential customers in and around Esperance - stretching west to Munglinup, east to beyond Condingup and north to Salmon Gums.
Both the power station and the gas pipeline have the capacity to meet expanding demand in the district. Installed capacity now is 33 megawatts and can rise to 44 megawatts as the region grows.
Mr Ripper said the introduction of natural gas to the town allowed the reticulation of gas in the business centre of town, with the prospect of future services to residential areas.
Acting Premier's office: 9222 8788