EnergyAustralia’s construction of a new fast-start gas generator at its Hallet power station in South Australia is on target to generate electricity by the 2019-2020 summer.
The new turbine will add another 30MW to the system, which is enough electricity to power an additional 11,000 South Australian homes.
EnergyAustralia Managing Director, Catherine Tanna, said the project was proceeding to both schedule and budget since work began in April 2019.
“South Australia has a foundation of wind and solar power and it’s Hallett’s job to provide back-up when renewable energy is not available, and provide dispatchable generation to support energy system security,” Ms Tanna said.
“This turbine upgrade is on track to be up and running and delivering reliable power for South Australians this summer.
“A modern, cleaner energy system is taking shape in South Australia, based on solar and wind power and supported by demand response, pumped hydro and battery storage. Flexible generation like this new turbine is another important piece of the energy puzzle.”
The new generator, an Aeroderivative Open Cycle Gas Turbine, is a variation of a jet plane engine and has the capacity to reach full load within five minutes from start. The new turbine is more environmentally friendly, using half the amount of fuel of other generators on site.
Local business played a significant role in the project with some engineering and construction services sourced from the region.
“We couldn’t have done this project so well, and safely, without the contribution of local businesses working close with our site team and the lead contractor, GE. It is a credit to everyone involved in the project,” Ms Tanna said.
The Hallett power station at Canowie, around 210km north of Adelaide, currently has 12 operating turbines with total generation capacity of 203MW, enough to power over 60,000 South Australian homes.
