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Gas-fired power station opens in NSW

As more renewables enter the system and coal-fired power stations retire, this station is set to be an asset. Image: yelantsevv/stock.adobe.com

Following two years of construction, EnergyAustralia opened the $300 million Tallawarra B, a fast-start 320MW gas-fired power station.

It’s already providing the New South Wales (NSW) electricity system with a major new flexible capacity asset supporting system reliability, as more renewables enter the system and coal-fired power stations retire.

“Today is a major milestone. After more than two years of construction, we are delighted to see Tallawarra B operate and we acknowledge the remarkable work of many highly skilled engineers and tradespeople who have worked on this project,” EnergyAustralia managing director Mark Collette said.

“We thank our contractor GE Vernova, who worked with us to deliver this project through many challenges, including COVID restrictions. And we acknowledge the support of the NSW government in making Tallawarra B a reality.”

According to Collette, Tallawarra B is the first gas-fired power station built in NSW over 10 years.

According to GE Vernova Gas Power chief executive officer Asia Ramesh Singaram, Tallawarra B demonstrated the substantive role that gas technologies could play in reducing carbon emissions, ensuring reliable electrical supply, and fighting climate change.

“We are committed to delivering reliable, stable, cost-effective energy that supports energy provides, like EnergyAustralia, to assist with developing a hydrogen supply chain and transitioning Australia to a lower carbon future.”

The new station is set to play a vital role in the energy transition, providing flexible and reliable energy during periods of peak demand or low supply.

“Tallawarra B enables and complements more renewables entering the system as coal-fired power stations retire. Gas will continue to play a vital role in firming renewables in the energy transition.” Collette said.

“We are positioning both Tallawarra stations to play a long-term role in NSW’s energy future and our own plans to achieve net zero by 2050.”

Collette said the company’s ambition was for green hydrogen to be part of the fuel mix at Tallawarra A in 2025, enabling zero emissions flexible capacity.

“We are also investing in Tallawarra A to ensure it is also gas/hydrogen-capable when the green hydrogen manufacturing industry in the Illawarra is of an appropriate size and scale,” he said.

“In April, we will commence a $90 million upgrade and overhaul of Tallawarra A. This will increase the capacity and efficiency of the station from 440 megawatts (MW) to 480MW while also enabling the use of up to 37 per cent hydrogen as a fuel when green hydrogen is commercially available.

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