Canadian energy giant TransAlta Energy has been given the task of building, maintaining and operating a new combined cycle gas power station in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
The 150MW station will be built in South Hedland and will provide energy to Horizon Power in the Pilbara and Fortescue Metals Group’s port operations.
TransAlta expects the $550 million facility to be delivering power in 2016, one year ahead of it beginning full commission.
Horizon Power will draw about 110MW of power from the new station and the plant can be expanded to supply power to other commercial users from 2017 onwards.
Western Australia Energy Minister Mike Nahan said the project would help secure energy supplies for the rapidly growing Pilbara.
“This new power project will ensure that both residents and industry in the Pilbara have access to reliable electricity into the future,” he said.
The development will be contracted under 25 year agreements with Horizon Power and Fortescue Metals Group and may be expanded to accommodate additional customers at later dates.
“Our bid on this development project illustrates the importance and focus that TransAlta places on customers and business in Western Australia,” TransAlta president and chief executive officer Dawn Farrell said.
“We want to be the company of choice in providing reliable and low cost power to customers in the remote mining regions of the state and are pleased to be adding another asset at an important location like Port Hedland.”
