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ERM Power today (5/7/2007) announced it has entered into contracts with Siemens Ltd and Bilfinger Berger for a start on the expansion of the Braemar Power Project, doubling the capacity of the gas-fired power station from 450MW to 900MW.
“This is a big win for both investment in the Queensland power system and for the environment,” ERM Power Chairman, Trevor St Baker said.
“It is a timely response to the Queensland Government’s decision to increase the Gas Electricity Certificate Scheme from 13 per cent to 18 per cent, and will introduce more competitive private sector generation into the State.”
Mr St Baker said the expansion would confirm and extend Braemar’s successful role since its start in 2006 in enhancing security of the power supply to Queensland.
The expansion will make Braemar the largest gas-fired power station in Australia and the fifth gas-fired power station project developed by ERM Power.
Energy solution specialist ERM Power has pioneered environmentally friendly gas-fired generation in Australia, developing over 2,000MW of new plants since its first project at Oakey was completed in 1998.
Construction of the power station will take approximately 18 months and will be completed during the summer of 2008/09.
Siemens Ltd, a world leader in design and manufacturing of the highly technical gas turbines and electricity generators, is supplying the power plant and is responsible for the successful commissioning of the power station.
Major contractor for the power station construction, Bilfinger-Berger, will shortly commence preparatory site works.
The station will on its completion meet the peak demand for electricity in the southeast of the State, and strengthen the electricity security for the fast growing Queensland economy.
The Braemar expansion will produce 30 per cent less greenhouse gases than a coal-fired plant, and considerably less other pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Greenhouse gas savings from the power station will be the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road each year.
As an added benefit, the air cooled gas-fired units will use minimal water and considerably less than coal-fired power stations.
The benefits of the project include:
• Significant investment and job creation in regional Queensland;
• Increased power supply for Queensland;
• Cutting greenhouse gas emissions; and
• Provide a reliable and stable electrical supply for Queensland.
“We appreciate the support we’ve had from the State Government and welcome its energy policies supporting environmentally responsible gas-fired generation” Mr St Baker said.
ERM Power is an energy solution specialist with 27 years' experience as a power generation developer and energy planner.
ENDS
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Margaret Lawson (Cole Lawson Communications)
P: 07 3221 2220