New highly efficient gas plant to power the Pilbara

The South Hedland Power Station

A new combined-cycle natural gas power station in Western Australia’s Pilbara region will be one of the most efficient power plants in the state.

The South Hedland power station, built by TransAlta Energy, was successfully commissioned on Friday.

The new power station, which will deliver 150MW of the most fuel-efficient energy in the Pilbara, is the result of a successful joint initiative between the state government and industry to meet the long-term power needs of the region.

“This new power station will deliver residents and industry of the Pilbara, safe, reliable and fuel-efficient energy supply well into the future, with Horizon Power drawing approximately 110MW of power from the new station while also boosting jobs in the area,” WA Energy Minister Ben Wyatt said.

“This combined-cycle gas power station will provide essential energy supply for the rapidly growing Pilbara region under an innovative privately funded delivery model constructed under an agreement between the state government, Horizon Power and Fortescue Metals Group.”

An extensive procurement process funded by the state government and driven by Horizon Power, awarded the contract to build, maintain and operate the station to energy company TransAlta.

The station will provide energy to Horizon Power and Fortescue Metals Group.

“The commissioning of South Hedland expands our strategy of investing in long-term contracted assets and providing our customers with competitively priced, clean electricity,” TransAlta president Brett Gellner said.

“We are pleased to add Horizon Power as a key customer, and to expand our relationship with Fortescue Metals Group.

“The commissioning of South Hedland also allows us to deliver on our commitment to increase the dividend to our shareholders.”

The new plant can be expanded to supply power to other commercial users.

During construction, the plant provided up to 214 jobs for the local area.

Now completed, it will have 24 staff supporting 24/7 operations in South Hedland.

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