New power station to provide peak period back-up

28/5/04
The State Government's planning to meet future energy needs took a major step forward today, with work starting on a new 260megawatt power station at Kemerton, south of Perth.
Energy Minister Eric Ripper said the $260million privately owned power station would provide energy to Western Power at times of peak demand - starting in summer 2005-06.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of work, Mr Ripper said the new power station would give Western Australians confidence that Western Power was better prepared for spikes in energy demand.
"Western Power has negotiated a 25-year agreement with the owner, Transfield Services, to provide vital back-up in summer and winter, when energy demand soars, so that household and industry needs can be met at all times," he said.
The Minister said the new power station was an important part of the Government's plans to expand and modernise power generation in Western Australia.
"Electricity generation infrastructure is critical to maintaining strong economic growth and that means new jobs and opportunities for Western Australians," he said.
"About 400 people will be employed directly or indirectly in the 14-month construction phase and Australian content and local contractors will be used wherever possible."
Mr Ripper said the new power station was expected to be operating by October, 2005.
Kemerton was well located on the existing high voltage transmission interconnection between the major generators at Collie and the major metropolitan load centres.
Western Power would now focus its efforts on planning for a further 330MW of new baseload power generation to meet expected energy demand from 2008.
The new generating capacity was in addition to the $300million Cockburn power station completed last year.
The Minister said the Government had a long-term plan to replace ageing power stations with modern, efficient and reliable generating plant.
"Our goal is to guarantee long-term security and reliability of electricity supply with a balance of gas and coal fired generation and for that to occur, we need to replace ageing plant with advanced, efficient equipment," he said.
Minister's Office - 9222 8788