Media Centre
29/09/09Waste coal mine gas fires Queensland's newest power station
Queensland's newest and largest waste coal mine gas fired power station in Central Queensland stands as a milestone in the quest for cleaner energy sources, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson today officially opened the new $60 million, 45 megawatt power station, which is owned and operated by Energy Developments Limited (EDL).
The station is supplied with waste coal mine gas sourced from Anglo Coal Australia's Moranbah North Mine.
"The Moranbah North Waste Coal Mine Gas Power Station takes waste gases from the coal mine and turns it into base load electricity," Mr Robertson said.
"The reduced carbon dioxide emissions will have the effect of taking 350,000 cars off the road.
"That means reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents."
The power station consists of fifteen 3 megawatt power generation modules using conventional reciprocating gas engines capable of generating approximately 350 gigawatt hours of electricity each year, enough to power approximately 48,000 homes.
Waste coal mine gas is released as a waste product during underground coal mining, which contributes to Australia's greenhouse emissions.
Mr Robertson said he was delighted to see the leadership shown in such a successful collaborative project between the mining and energy sectors.
"This power station is a good example of collaborative thinking with two companies joining forces to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," he said.
"Such innovation is exactly what the Bligh Government is driving with our Toward Q2 strategy to reduce Queensland's carbon footprint by one-third by 2020.
"The production of energy in the era of Climate Change is a global challenge.
"In terms of reducing our carbon footprint from power generation, clean coal, geothermal, solar thermal and natural gas are vital.
"However, the importance of a sustainable and robust coal industry to Queensland's economic and social stability should not be underestimated.
"We are a major player in the international coal market, with Queensland coal exports accounting for some 20 per cent of the global trade.
"Around 85 per cent of Queensland coal is exported.
"In 2008-09 our exports were valued at around $22.6 billion, generating over $3.2 billion in state revenue.
"A sustainable coal industry is essential in 'keeping the lights on' across all sectors of the state. and help build, school, hospitals and roads.
"Projects like this one represent a significant step forward in enhancing the sustainability of the coal mining and electricity generation sectors.
"It is an example of the commitment of the industry to re-shape our energy future," he said.
Minister's office: 07 3224 7332
Other languages