North set to benefit from power boost

A major expansion at Origin Energy’s Mt Stuart power station will generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said Origin Energy would invest $92 million in a new 126 MW (megawatt) turbine generator at its Mt Stuart power station.

“With the extra generator on site, Mt Stuart will have the capacity to generate power to around 255,000 homes – and that’s a significant boost to its current capacity,” Mr Wilson said.

“Not only will Origin Energy’s expansion boost the north’s power supply, the project will lead to more local jobs. Around 200 jobs will be created during the planning, construction and commissioning stages of the project.

“That’s great news for the local community and the north’s economy. It’s a sign of confidence in a growing region,” Mr Wilson said.

Origin’s Executive General Manager Major Development Projects, Andrew Stock said contracts had been signed with GE Energy for the gas turbine generator.

‘Although Mt Stuart runs on jet fuel, this generator and our existing two turbine generators on site can be converted to run on natural gas in the future,” Mr Stock said.

Mr Stock said the project is expected to be completed by the winter of 2009.

Minister Wilson said the extra generating capacity at Mt Stuart power station would help meet future demand for power in the rapidly-growing region.

“The Bligh Government is investing heavily in electricity infrastructure in the north. We’re planning and building now for the future,” Mr Wilson said.

“Powerlink is spending more than $115 million on upgrades to its transmission network in the northern region.

“Powerlink recently built a 17 kilometre transmission line from Ross to Townsville South to further strengthen the electricity supply to the region.

“And a new transmission line between Powerlink’s Townsville South Substation and a new substation at Townsville East is nearing completion.

“This $27 million transmission line will ensure a reliable supply of high voltage electricity to the Port of Townsville and Central Business District area.

“The rapid growth and investor confidence in the north underpins the growing demand for power and our investment in the region will help ensure the local economy continues to thrive,” he said.

The Minister said demand for electricity in the Townsville area had increased by around 5% a year over the last five years and was forecast to increase by a further 3.6% a year over the next five years.

“And that’s why we’re planning and building now, so that we can meet the forecast growth.

“Ergon Energy is also investing heavily in the region. The government-owned energy entity will spend $83 million on electricity infrastructure in the north this financial year.

“Ergon Energy has also built two $60 million control centres in Townsville and Rockhampton.

“They will revolutionise the way Ergon responds to emergencies in the region.

“For the first time, control centre operators will have control of almost all of Ergon Energy’s electricity network,” Mr Wilson said.

“And that’s no mean feat when you consider a supply network of around a million power poles, 150,000 kilometres of powerlines and more than 300 substations.

“These super control centres will be the nerve centre of the network and either one of them will be able to take over in an emergency.

“If for some unforeseen reason Townsville is out of action, then Rockhampton will be able to swing into gear,” he said.

“This is timely with the wet season upon us and weather bureau predictions of more severe storms on the horizon.

“When the next one strikes, we should spare a thought for the Ergon Energy workers who will be out in that bad weather restoring damaged powerlines, instead of relaxing at home with their families.

“It’s not a 9 to 5 job. It can be hazardous and for that we owe them our thanks,” Mr Wilson said.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 32247332