The first of 12 engines for AGL’s new Barker Inlet Power Station in South Australia have been delivered to the Torrens Island site.
AGL General Manager Gas and Renewables Operations, Colin Mills, said the plant would increase energy reliability and security in South Australia when it commences operation later this year.
“We’re investing $295 million in constructing a 210MW fast-start gas plant, which will deliver more power when the National Electricity Market needs it,” Mr Mills said.
“This will be a high-efficiency plant which is a good fit for the South Australian market and will efficiently and cost-effectively complement the high renewable energy mix we see today and expect to continue to see in the future.”
SA Minister for Energy, Dan van Holst Pellekaan, said, “The fact AGL’s high efficiency Barker Inlet Power Station will be able to reach its 210MW capacity in just five minutes provides added insurance for those times when supply from renewable sources fluctuates unexpectedly.
“The rapid response capabilities of the Barker Inlet Power Station will sharpen competition amongst the various generators feeding into the South Australian electricity network.”
Mr Mills said with significant wind generation in South Australia it’s more important than ever to have dispatchable capacity such as the Barker Island Power Station.
“The project demonstrates our support for an orderly transition to a carbon-constrained future by helping phase out some of the old generation at the nearby Torrens A Power Station and replacing it with new more efficient technology producing less greenhouse gas per unit of electricity generated,” Mr Mills said.
The new power station will ramp up to full capacity in five minutes and is 28 per cent more efficient than the Torrens A units it will replace.
This investment will deliver gas savings of the same order, reducing costs and lowering emissions.
The four Torrens B turbines will continue to operate as normal.
