New power stations open across regional Western Australia:

Above - In the Kimberley town of Camballin, the diesel-fired power station is known for its immaculately clean interior.
Source: “Diesel and Dust” published by Western Power Corporation.

Google Earth - Camballin

In 1998, Western Power commenced an extensive program to replace its ageing diesel power stations with highly advanced facilities in regional and remote areas. The ambitious program was coordinated by Horizon Power, which is responsible for remote and regional towns from Derby in the north to Esperance in the south. The Regional Power Procurement Process (RPPP) was launched to reduce electricity generation costs while significantly improving electricity supplies and substantially cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the RPPP program, independent power producers have been responsible for building and operating the new power stations, while Horizon Power continues to distribute energy to regional customers and maintain the regional electricity network.

Above - Bright lights illuminated the old diesel-fired Esperance Power Station at night.
Source: “Diesel and Dust” published by Western Power Corporation.

Above - The interior of the old Esperance Power Station was always kept in top condition.
Source: “Diesel and Dust” published by Western Power Corporation.

Google Earth - Esperance

This recent modernisation of regional power supplies has involved:

• A gas pipeline and gas-fired power station in Esperance, which was launched on 23 April 2004. The new facilities have been built and operated by Burns and Roe Worley.
  
  For more information about Burns and Roe Worley, go to:
  www.burnsandroeworley.com.au
  
  This power upgrade was part of Horizon Power’s $106 million project to introduce new technology and upgrade energy infrastructure in Esperance, which has our largest remote network. Another highlight of the Esperance project was the opening of the Nine Mile Beach Wind Farm.
  
  
• A new gas-fired power station was built in Exmouth and became operational in September 2006.  This power station was built and is operated by Burns and Roe Worley and its capacity can be increased from 6MW to 8.5MW to cater to the town’s growing population.
  
  
• The construction of efficient gas-fired power stations in four West Kimberley towns by Energy Developments Limited.
  
  For more information about Energy Developments, go to:
  www.edl.com.au
  
  By the middle of 2007, the new stations are expected to begin operating in Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. These new facilities will provide a reliable and environmentally improved alternative to diesel fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent in the region. The neighbouring town of Looma will also benefit from a more efficient diesel power station, built by Energy Developments Limited.
  
  
• Under the Remote Towns Project modern, efficient diesel power stations began operating in Menzies, Laverton and Gascoyne Junction during 2006.
  
  

Above - Carnarvon has the only power station in regional Western Australia which can use either diesel fuel or a combination of gas and diesel.
Source: “Diesel and Dust” published by Western Power Corporation.

Google Earth - Carnarvon

• A new gas-fired power station in Carnarvon by the first half of 2007. Horizon Power has appointed Energy Generation to build and operate the new station.
  
  
• A major upgrade of electricity infrastructure to meet the future needs of Coral Bay, which is 120 kilometres south of Exmouth. Horizon Power plans to establish a state-of-the-art wind/diesel generating facility and also a new underground distribution system. The project will likely consist of three 275-kilowatt wind turbines which will be coupled to a modern and efficient diesel power station, comprising up to eight 320-kilowatt generating units. It is expected that wind will generate up to 30 per cent of the Coral Bay settlement’s annual electricity requirements. This project should be fully operational by May 2007.
  
  
• The commissioning of a modern gas-fired power station in Mt Magnet to supply the town’s electricity needs in January 2004.
  
  
• The commissioning of new diesel power stations in the Mid West towns of Yalgoo, Sandstone, Meekatharra, Cue and Wiluna in 2003 and 2004.
  
  
• The opening of a state-of-the-art gas facility to supply Leonora with its electricity needs in January 2000.
  
  
• An efficient gas-fired power station in Onslow, built in October 1999.
  
  
• Horizon Power signed a contract with Energy Generation Pty Ltd to construct power stations in five large, permanent Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley: Warmun, Bidyadanga, Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay and Djarindjin/Lombadina. This work will be undertaken as part of the Aboriginal and Remote Communities Power Supply Project.
  
  
• Horizon Power is also assisting with a significant upgrade of the electrical infrastructure in 15 Aboriginal town reserves, which are located near major regional centres in Western Australia. The town reserves include communities in the regions of Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham. This is part of Town Reserves Regularisation Program.
  
  
• A cleaner, low-sulphur diesel is being used in Western Australian regional power stations. This new fuel is typically referred to as Low Sulphur Diesel and will result in improved environmental benefits.
  For more information, go to:
  www.bp.com

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