Barker Inlet Power Station now generating power

Barker Inlet Power Station

AGL Energy’s Barker Inlet gas-fired power plant began operations on Monday, November 4 – Australia’s first new major power station since 2012.

The $295 million facility in South Australia has a 210 mW capacity and will help supplement renewables, just in time for the summer peak.

AGL CEO Brett Redman said AGL is proud to be the only company in the market to have built a major dispatchable power station since 2012.

He said this new power station provides the firming capacity the market needs.

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“AGL’s new power station will provide more affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for South Australian homes and businesses,” Mr Redman said.

“At AGL we’re building new capacity and firming generation because we know this is what the market needs and today we are delivering on this commitment.

“This power station is highly efficient, with generating units capable of operating at full capacity within five minutes of starting. This is something not capable from older coal and gas power stations.

“This is important, because it will allow us to provide a rapid response to changes in renewable generation supply and demand – particularly wind generation here in South Australia.”

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This first generation is part of the testing regime, with full commissioning in the coming weeks.

South Australian Energy Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said AGL’s investment was good news for the affordability and reliability of electricity supplies in South Australia.

“South Australia is leading the nation in the transition to renewable energy and the Barker Inlet Power Station will have an important role in producing more affordable, reliable and cleaner electricity,” Minister van Holst Pellekaan said.

“Modern fast-start gas generators burn less gas and provide supply when renewables can’t, meaning lower cost, lower emissions and greater reliability.”

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