Sensible steps to secure power supplies for summer peak

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said that Tarong Power Station would be able to operate all four of its big generating units to further boost the security of south east Queensland’s power supply this summer.

Tarong had two generating units at its Nanango site off-line since April this year, to save water at its main water supply - the purpose-built Boondooma Dam.

“After the welcome rain of recent weeks in Wivenhoe and the water savings already made by generators, Tarong Energy is now able to bring the other two generating units back on line for this summer’s peak demand,” Mr Wilson said.

“Our contingency plan included Tarong bringing those units back on line when needed.

“All four generating units will be on line in early December, but will remain at reduced levels to save water. They can be ramped up to full capacity at a moment’s notice,” he said.

Minister Wilson said the State Government would continue to keep a close watch on water use by power stations in south east Queensland.

“We are still in the grip of the worst drought on record. Queensland is not alone. We’re all conscious of the need to save water and we’re all taking steps - some big, some small,” he said.

The Minister also said Queensland would have sufficient generating capacity to meet the state’s electricity demand in the future.

“And that’s because responsible governments plan for the future,” he said.

The Minister said a number of new power stations would be up and running in Queensland for the summer of 2009/2010.

ERM’s 450 megawatt Braemar power station is expected to be commissioned in mid 2009. Queensland Gas Company’s 150 megawatt Condamine power station is scheduled to be fully operational by August 2009 and Origin Energy’s 630 megawatt Darling Downs power station is expected to be fully operation in early 2010.

“There’s a further 2,000 megawatts of power in the pipeline for the long term. All up, that’s an extra 3,000 megawatts which will take Queensland well into the future,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819