The chief attribute of the 140 megawatt (MW) Condamine Power Station is that it operates in combined-cycle power mode. The power station has the capacity and capability to generate electricity more efficiently than a coal-fired power station, whilst producing significantly less greenhouse gas emissions.
Constructed by power plant specialists AE&E Australia, Condamine Power Station was Australia’s first combined-cycle power station to run entirely on coal seam gas (CSG).
The plant comprises two Siemens SGT-800 gas turbines, two AE&E heat recovery steam generators and one Siemens SST-400 steam turbine.
Hot exhaust gases are captured from the gas turbines in order to generate steam. The steam then powers a steam turbine generator, producing additional electricity without the need for additional fuel. The power station also includes a cooling water system and a water treatment plant.
Civil & Allied Technical Construction (CATCON) was contracted to supply in-ground structures and services for the turbines.
Condamine Power Station operates 24 hours a day and produces a nominal 140 MW of electricity to the grid. The location of the power site also optimises fiscal and environmental efficiency by allowing the easy supply of CSG and water from neighbouring gas fields. This significantly reduces the environmental impact and carbon footprint that can be left by conventional coal-fired power stations.
The power station has the capability of providing very efficient gas-fired electricity to the National Electricity Market.
In 2010, Condamine Power Station has reached several significant milestones including the first synchronisation of the Siemens SST-400 steam turbine Turbo-Gen set to the National Grid in February. In addition, R2 testing of the SGT-800 units was completed, with approval by the Australian Energy Market Operator for connection to the National Grid.
