01/11/06 – IPRA PARKES PROPOSAL
International Power Australia (IPRA) has lodged a proposal to develop a 120MW gas turbine power station facility and associated infrastructure at a site adjacent to Condobolin Road approximately 10km west of Parkes, in central western NSW.
The proposed $50m facility would comprise three separate 40MW open cycle generating units capable of operating individually or in conjunction, together providing a high level of reliable generation capacity within the region.
The gas-fired plant will 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.
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 % of any year.
Gas would be supplied from an off-take from the existing Central West Pipeline at Parkes.
IPRA has finalised arrangements with the landholder to secure the land for the power plant and is well advanced in securing easements for the gas pipeline route. The project would take approximately six months to build.
IPRA has prepared a preliminary environmental assessment report to allow the NSW Department of Planning to issue environmental assessment requirements for project approval.
As with all major projects, International Power’s investment will be subject to normal commercial review and International Power Board approval.
IPRA is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Power plc, a UK-based independent power generation and operation company. International Power Plc has interests in 37 power stations in 18 countries around the world and is listed on both the London and New York Stock Exchanges and has a current market capitalisation in excess of A$11bn.
Since becoming established in Australia in 1996, IPRA has invested in excess of A$5 billion and focused on becoming a leading player in the energy industry. The company owns and operates more than 3600MW of renewable, gas-fired and brown coal-fired generating plants in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Its interests also extend across energy retailing (Joint Venture with EnergyAustralia in SA and Vic) and the (SEAGas) gas pipeline between Victoria and South Australia.
