Drought report backs electricity supply over coming summers

A national report on the impact of the drought on electricity supplies has again shown that Queensland’s supply is on track for the next two summers, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said the latest report from the National Electricity Market Management Company (NEMMCO) showed the state’s electricity supply outlook in a good light despite the drought.

“However we will continue to keep a close watch on water use by power stations. We are still in the grip of the worst drought on record and can’t afford to take our eye off the ball,” Mr Wilson said.

The State government set up a special taskforce made up of key stakeholders from across government and industry to analyse in depth what the drought meant for electricity.

An independent expert was also appointed to double check the work of the taskforce.

“The taskforce concluded that south east Queensland had sufficient supply options from southern Queensland power stations, plus transmission links to Central Queensland and the national grid to reliably meet bulk power demands,” Mr Wilson said.

“Power stations in south east Queensland were directed to curb their generating power to save water from Wivenhoe until the recycled water pipeline comes on line. They achieved significant savings.

“The savings, along with welcome rain in recent weeks in Wivenhoe, means all four generating units at Tarong power station can be brought back on line.

“They’ll remain at reduced capacity to save water, but can be ramped up to full capacity at a moment’s notice in times of peak demand,” Mr Wilson said.

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

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

Last month the Premier officially opened the new $1.2 billion 750 megawatt Kogan Creek power station near Chinchilla.

“A number of new power stations will be up and running in Queensland for the summer of 2009/2010.

“The drought and its consequences are being felt right across the eastern states and Tasmania.

“We’re in this together, but we have contingency plans to deal with whatever nature throws at our electricity network,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819