EnergyAustralia has officially opened the $300 million Tallawarra B gas-fired power station in New South Wales after two years of construction.
Tallawarra B, a fast-start 320MW gas-fired power station, provides the New South Wales electricity system with a major new flexible capacity asset supporting system reliability as more renewables enter the system and coal-fired power stations retire.
Related article: Massive fast-start turbine arrives to power Tallawarra B
The new Tallawarra B station complements EnergyAustralia’s existing 440MW gas-fired power station Tallawarra A. Together, the Tallawarra stations provide flexible and reliable energy to homes and businesses during high demand periods in summer and winter, and when solar and wind generation is low.
GE Vernova has been the project’s key contractor and construction has supported over 350 highly skilled jobs over the past two years.
Rehabilitation of surrounding land undertaken with native vegetation as part of a $300,000 partnership with the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
EnergyAustralia managing director Mark Collette said, “Today is a major milestone. After more than two years of construction, we are delighted to see Tallawarra B operate and we acknowledge the remarkable work of many highly skilled engineers and tradespeople who have worked on this project.
“We thank our contractor GE Vernova, who worked with us to deliver this project through many challenges, including COVID restrictions. And we acknowledge the support of the New South Wales Government in making Tallawarra B a reality.
“Tallawarra B is the first gas-fired power station built in New South Wales in over 10 years. The new station will play a vital role in the energy transition, providing flexible and reliable energy during periods of peak demand or low supply. Tallawarra B enables and complements more renewables entering the system as coal-fired power stations retire.
“Gas will continue to play a vital role in firming renewables in the energy transition. We are positioning both Tallawarra stations to play a long-term role in New South Wales’ energy future and our own plans to achieve net zero by 2050.
“Our ambition is for green hydrogen to be part of the fuel mix at Tallawarra A in 2025, enabling zero emissions flexible capacity.
Related article: Tallawarra A gets upgrade to support energy transition
“We are also investing in Tallawarra A to ensure it is also gas/hydrogen-capable when the green hydrogen manufacturing industry in the Illawarra is of an appropriate size and scale.
“In April, we will commence a $90 million upgrade and overhaul of Tallawarra A. This will increase the capacity and efficiency of the station from 440MW to 480MW while also enabling the use of up to 37% hydrogen as a fuel when green hydrogen is commercially available.”
