Parkes Peaking Plant

In July 2008 the New South Wales Government approved IPR – GDF SUEZ Australia’s $130 million peaking plant proposal for Parkes in the State’s Central West.

The 120-150MW gas-fired plant would comprise three separate 40-50MW open cycle generating units capable of operating individually or in conjunction, together providing a high level of reliable generation capacity within the region.

The project proposal is in response to high voltage transmission system constraint scenarios in the Cowra/Forbes/Parkes area, as identified by TransGrid. The Parkes Peaking Power Plant as proposed by IPRA is the most cost efficient and effective generation solution.

It is anticipated that the Parkes plant would operate in a “peaking role”, that is, on an as-required, intermittent basis for a total maximum period of up to 10 per cent of any year.

Gas would be supplied from an off-take from the existing Central West Pipeline at Parkes.
 
The plant would have dual fuel capability using natural gas as the primary fuel and distillate as an alternate (backup) fuel to provide security of generation during periods of interrupted gas supply.

Approval by the New South Wales Government followed the preparation of an Environmental Assessment Report, incorporating a public consultation process, by IPR – GDF SUEZ .