Queensland’s largest power generator, Stanwell Corporation, has announced plans to return the 1400MW Tarong Power Station’s units in cold storage to service.
Stanwell withdrew two 350MW units from service at the South Burnett power station in late 2012, as a result of operating in an oversupplied electricity market with subdued wholesale electricity prices.
The company’s chief executive officer Richard Van Breda said Unit 4 would be returned to service later this year and Unit 2 in mid-2015.
“The exact timing for the return to service of both units depends on market conditions and portfolio requirements, which Stanwell will continue to review,” he said.
The Tarong unit will be operated in place of the higher-cost Swanbank E gas-fired power station, near Ipswich. Swanbank E will be withdrawn from service from October 1, 2014 for up to three years.
“This is good news for the South Burnett as Tarong Power Station will continue to deliver long term economic benefits to the region,” Mr Van Breda said.
