Origin Energy has unveiled a $2.5 million upgrade to the Kalgoorlie LPG terminal to boost the terminal’s capacity and ensure local communities have a reliable supply of energy as the region continues to grow.
Origin said that the terminal has been servicing the region for decades. After the shutdown of the Esperance Gas Distribution Network in 2023, about 400km from the Kalgoorlie LPG terminal, Origin stepped in to help fill the supply gap. By securing new contracts, Origin provided a key alternative for customers in the area needing reliable energy.
Origin LPG General Manager, Amber Fennell, said, “To support long-term operations, we need to increase the LPG terminal’s storage capacity from 50t to 100t by adding a second above-ground 50t tank alongside the existing one.
“The Kalgoorlie LPG Terminal supplies business and residential customers in the Kalgoorlie area, as well as further south in Esperance.
“These upgrades are essential to ensure the reliable and continuous supply of LPG to our customers in Kalgoorlie and wider regions, supporting the community’s energy needs for many years to come.”
The project will also involve replacing an old fire water tank at the site to ensure continued safe operation of the terminal. This includes removing the existing 520,000l tank and installing a new, upgraded system.
Electrical and control systems will also be upgraded and a rail car loading gantry at the site will be removed.
The terminal had previously received LPG from Port Bonython in South Australia via a rail load out facility at Whyalla, which has since been decommissioned. Now, 50t road trains are used for direct deliveries from Port Bonython to the Kalgoorlie terminal.
Preliminary work on the expansion project is underway, with the additional 50t tank delivered earlier in October. Construction at the site is expected to start in early 2025.
