Continued advancements in the 1980s:
Above - Muja Power Station.
In 1980, the state’s energy consumption was one of the highest in the world on a per capita basis. WA was experiencing all the signs of a flourishing economy, with strong economic growth and a high use of energy, particularly for transport across large distances.
The SEC of WA extended the electricity grid to the gold-mining community of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 1984. The project involved nearly 700km of high voltage transmission wires between Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Muja Power Station in Collie.
Following the sharp oil price increases, the SEC of WA investigated cheaper alternatives to diesel oil for providing electricity. The SEC of WA became a leader in the development of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, in Australia.
The first gas turbine generating unit was commissioned in 1989 at Mungarra, near Geraldton. This is still operated by Verve Energy along with a gas turbine station at Pinjar.
 Next Section >> Leading the state to a bright future.
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