1980

• A new LPG gas plant is commissioned in Albany.
  
  
• Rapeseed oil is tested at Hopetoun Power Station as an alternative to diesel fuel.

• The second 330kV transmission line from Muja to Perth is completed.

• On 30 September, the SEC of WA signs a contract for the 20-year supply of 414 terajoules of natural gas per day from the North West Shelf.
  
  
• Work commences on the North Rankin A production platform, a submarine trunkline to shore and the domestic gas processing plant.
  Google Earth - North West Shelf

• The first 200MW, Stage C Muja generator is in service.

• The 22kV MAN and 50kV DAF wind turbines are commissioned on Rottnest Island in December.

• In October, the North West Shelf Gas Project is launched.
  
  
• On 19 December, the second 132kV transmission line to Geraldton is energised.

1981

• The design stage of the 220 kV transmission link from Muja Power Station to Kalgoorlie commences.
  
  
• In June, it is announced that the East Perth Power Station will close as soon as the existing coal stocks at the power station are exhausted.
  
  
• In July, construction commences on the Meekatharra solar thermal power station.
  Google Earth - Meekatharra

• Planning commences for a proposed 1,400 MW power station to be sited adjacent to the existing Bunbury Power Station.

1982

• The Meekatharra solar thermal power station is completed.

• The SEC of WA commits to the North West Shelf Gas Agreement.
  
  
• The Muja Power Station Stage C extensions are completed.
  Google Earth - Muja Power Station

• On 24 December, after 66 years' of service, the East Perth Power Station is decommissioned.
  Google Earth - East Perth Power Station

1983

• In January, a 50kW Nordtank wind turbine is erected on Rottnest Island.
  
  
• In February, work commences on the northern section of the Dampier to Wagerup Natural Gas Pipeline.

• Work commences on the centre section in March.

• In April, work commences on the southern section.

• The new Onslow Power Station is opened.

• The site for the construction of the proposed new South West Power Station changes from Bunbury to the Collie region.
  
  
• The first stage of the Pilbara integrated power system is completed with the commissioning of the 132kV link Cape Lambert to Karratha.

1984

• On 27 January, the mainline construction phase of the Dampier to Wagerup Natural Gas Pipeline is completed.

• The SEC of WA introduces an Energy Education Program for Western Australian schools.
  
  
• A Western Australian-built Westwind experimental 60kW wind turbine is installed in South Fremantle.

• On 8 August, the 665km Muja Power Station to Eastern Goldfields 220kV transmission line is energised.
  
  
• On 16 August, North West Shelf natural gas is supplied to Perth metropolitan customers.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• In October, Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 generating units at the Kwinana Power Station are converted to natural gas.
  
  
• In November, the pipeline extension from Wagerup to Bunbury is completed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

1985

• The SEC of WA celebrates its tenth anniversary on 1 July.
  
  
• The rural electrification scheme is completed with 99% of Western Australian farms having access to the SEC of WA for their power supplies.

• The SEC of WA's 500,00th customer is connected.
  
  
• The second 30kW Aeroman wind turbine is installed at the South Fremantle test site.

• The Meekatharra solar thermal power plant is shut down.

• Stages C and D of Muja Power Station are officially opened.

• In September, North West Shelf gas is supplied to Geraldton customers.
  
  
• The last gas holder at East Perth Gas Works is demolished.
  
  
• On 27 September, the South Fremantle Power Station closes after 34 years' service.
  Google Earth - South Fremantle Power Station

• The interconnected grid is now supplied from Bunbury, Kwinana and Muja Power Stations.
  
  
• In October, the second stage of the Pilbara integrated power system is completed with the 220kV transmission link between Cape Lambert and Port Hedland.

Next Section >> 1986 - 1993.

^ back to top ^