1976

• In April, the 200MW, No. 5 generating unit at Kwinana Power Station is commissioned.
  Google Earth - Kwinana Power Station

• Research into the feasibility of using alternative energy resources commences with Kimberley tidal power and Ord River Dam hydro potentials studied.
  Google Earth - Ord River

• The Mobile Safety Clinic, later known as the Safety Watchit Van, is established.

• The State Energy Commission Western Australia (SEC of WA) establishes an Energy Research Branch.

1977

• On 14 February, an off-peak hot water tariff is introduced in Western Australia.
  
  
• Demolition of the Collie Power Station commences on 7 June.

• The Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia is established at the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT).

• The Remote Area Power Supply Investigation Project (RAPSI) is initiated.

• On 25 August, the SEC of WA Commissioner, Mr Bruce Kirkwood, officially starts up the diesel generators in the new Bremer Bay Power Station.

• The Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments and the North West Shelf participants agree on development conditions for an integrated domestic gas and LNG export project.
  
  
• In November, the SEC of WA signs a Memorandum of Understanding for the supply of natural gas from the North West Shelf.

1978

• In January, the microwave system link to all major power stations, substations and the power system control centre is commissioned.
  
  
• On 2 February, the 200MW, No. 6 generating unit at Kwinana Power Station is placed in service.
  
  
• The new Broome Power Station is commissioned.

• The Remote Aboriginal Village Power Supply Agreement is reached with the Aboriginal Affairs Department.

1979

• The Alternative Fuel Evaluation Program commences for the testing of LPG, CNG, gasohol and ethanol as alternative fuels for transport.

• On 1 April, the Kwinana Power Station’s Stage C is converted to burn coal.

• In June, the SEC of WA completes a comprehensive range of tests on electric vehicles.

• In August, the last of the four electrostatic precipitators at Bunbury Power Station is completed.

• In September, the SEC of WA commissions its new Central Coal Processing Plant located on the Collie coal fields.

• The Environmental Impact Study for the North West Shelf Project receives approval.
  
  
• On 25 October, the Western Australian Premier Sir Charles Court officially opens Kwinana Power Station Stage C.

Next Section >> 1980 - 1985.

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