New generator powers up on waste mine gas

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson today opened a new power station at German Creek coal mine in Central Queensland that will use waste gas from the mine to generate electricity.

Minister Wilson said the new power station near Middlemount was a symbol of the state’s strong economic growth.

The new power station, a joint partnership between Anglo Coal Australia, Mitsui Coal Holdings and Energy Developments Limited, will use waste methane gas from Anglo Coal’s German Creek Mine.

“The power station has two 16-megawatt generation modules which will use the methane extracted from the coal before and during mining to produce 240 gigawatt-hours of electricity, enough to service around 8,000 homes,” Mr Wilson said.

“On the environmental front, the station will enable Anglo Coal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the mine by more than one million tonnes a year – that’s equivalent to taking 250,000 cars off the road.

Mr Wilson said the use of the waste gas to generate electricity was an efficient, cost-effective and environmental solution to what was once a considerable safety issue for mines.

“The release of waste mine gas is an important safety measure,” he said.

“Waste coal mine gas is predominantly made up of methane, a potent greenhouse gas which is over 20 times as damaging as carbon dioxide if it’s emitted into the atmosphere.”

“Climate change is one of the great challenges facing Queensland and the world. We must all play a role no matter how big or small to address this global issue.

“Our new Future Strategies Division announced by the Premier last month will drive innovative and creative responses to climate change and other big challenges facing Queensland.

“The Division will coordinate Queensland’s response to climate change, spearhead the drive to develop clean coal technology and develop an effective emission trading scheme.

“We’re investing heavily in clean coal technology and have reached agreement with other states to establish a carbon trading scheme. We’re setting up a Climate Change Centre of Excellence.

“I’ve told my whole Department of Mines and Energy to ensure we keep the momentum going,” he said.

Mr Wilson said another impressive safety feature of the power station was its zero lost time incidents for employees and contractors during its 100,000 construction hours.

“For me, there is nothing more important than the safety and health of the men and women who work in the mining industry.

“At an industry-wide level, we have one of the best mine safety records in the world and I commend the Queensland Resources Council and senior industry leaders for their vigorous support of mine safety,” he said.

The Minister told guests at today’s opening that the mining industry was the backbone of the state’s strong economy.

In the 2005/06 financial year the export and domestic sales of our mineral and petroleum products was a record $25.4 billion – an $8 billion increase on the previous year.

“It’s the first time that sales have exceeded the $25 billion mark.

“Royalties from the mining industry, which were $1.45 billion last year, help build our schools and hospitals, put police on the beat and teachers in our classrooms.

“The resources boom is a magnet for jobs and job security. To back this booming industry we’re investing $300 million in clean coal technology projects.

“By investing in our multi-billion dollar industry, we’re investing in workers at the coal face. We’re investing in their future.

The Minister said the State Government’s $20 million Smart Exploration program was achieving positive results.

“The $29 million Smart Mining – Future Prosperity program is well underway and will further advance the exploration of Queensland’s resources.

“Today’s exploration activity will yield tomorrow’s job,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819