Gas delivers energy solution

South Hedland is home to what has been dubbed “the most efficient” power plant in Western Australia.

Commissioned in August, the South Hedland Power Station officially opened last week, delivering 150MW of energy to the Pilbara region for residents and indus-try.

Horizon Power managing director Frank Tudor said the new plant included the latest technology and had not cost taxpayers any extra.

“Using combined cycle natural gas, the power station is delivering a safe and reliable energy supply to more than 15,000 Pilbara residents while generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“This new station ensures customers are buying power from the most cost-effective system possible.”

The station’s opening follows two years of negotiations and is a joint initiative funded by the State Government and driven by Horizon Power in partnership with TransAlta Energy (Australia).

According to Horizon Power, the efficiency of the plan will mean customers’ electricity costs will remain stable and provide more certainty for household power bills.

The new power station features both natural gas and steam turbines, with the steam turbine using waste heat from the gas turbine to generate additional electricity.

The project also includes the construction of a new transmission line for Fortescue Metals Group’s port operations.

Energy Minister Ben Wyatt said the opening was the result a successful State Government and industry partnership in meeting the long-term power needs of the region.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about supporting the people of the Pilbara by delivering a safe, reliable and fuel-efficient energy supply well into the future,” he said.

Incorporating the Hedland Precinct Power Project, built by Horizon Power in 2014, the connection infrastructure will cover almost 5km and also deliver long-term electricity supply to Roy Hill port operations in Port Hedland.

According to Trans Alta Energy, the power plant will feed power into the North West Interconnected System which services about 47,500 people across Port Hedland, South Hedland, Karratha, Point Samson and Roebourne.

The station will be maintained and operated by TransAlta Energy and will have 24 staff supporting the 24-hour operations.