Depending on the outcome of the detailed study, which will determine the market need for either base load or peak supply, Tallawarra B will consist of either:

  • A $200 million facility comprising up to three open-cycle gas turbine generators with a nominal capacity of 300–450 MW; or
  • A $330 million facility comprising one combined-cycle gas turbine generator with a nominal capacity of 400 MW.

A TRUenergy spokesperson told Gas Today that if the decision is made to begin construction of Tallawarra B, the new plant will take approximately three years to construct and commission.

New South Wales Planning Minister Tony Kelly said that the project would generate up to 400 jobs during its construction, and that a total of 105 environmental conditions would be imposed.

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The 435 MW combined-cycle gas-fired Tallawarra A began commercial operations in January 2009.

Also in New South Wales, Origin Energy is assessing the viability of building a 1,000 MW gas-fired power station near Big Hill.

Located 60 km northeast of Goulburn at Kerrawary, the 20 hectare site of the potential development is situated amid approximately 900 hectares of land, which would create an extensive buffer zone around any new power station.

The area was selected due to its proximity to both the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline system and the TransGrid high voltage transmission network.

Delta Electricity and Energy Australia have each also proposed to construct a gas-fired power station in the Big Hill area at the nearby Brayton site.

The gas-fired power station would be connected to the grid at the Bannaby substation which adjoins the site.

Origin has commenced a series of environmental, sociological and engineering studies as part of the feasibility review for the project.

In Queensland, APA Group has submitted plans to the Federal Government to build, construct and operate a 240 MW gas-fired power station to power Xstrata’s MIM P/L mine at Mt Isa.

The proposed Diamantina Power Station will be constructed in two phases. Construction of Phase 1, a nominal 120 MW combined-cycle gas-power station will commence shortly after approval, and take approximately two years. Phase 2 involves construction of a second plant of a nominal 120 MW capacity and is planned to be implemented after Phase 1 has proved itself in service.

APA Group anticipates the project be approved by May 2011.