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A 372-tonne gas turbine arrived early Friday morning at Yallah, where it will form the centre of Australia’s first carbon offset gas and hydrogen power plant, EnergyAustralia’s Tallawarra B.
The 316-megawatt power station will help to transform Australia’s energy system when it’s completed in time for the summer of 2023/24 – stepping in just as Liddell power station retires.
Being built with the support of the NSW Government, it will sit alongside the existing Tallawarra A power station and support the growth of renewable energy.
EnergyAustralia’s Chief Operating Officer, Liz Westcott, said Tallawarra B has an important role to play in accelerating the clean energy transition.
“The turbine will enable Tallawarra B to fire up quickly, within 30 minutes, stepping in when the supply of renewable energy is low to help keep the lights on for around 150,000 homes. It’s just what our modern energy system needs – fast and flexible generation that complements renewables,” said Liz.
Tallawarra B is one of several projects EnergyAustralia is developing as it works to provide customers with power that’s not just reliable and affordable, but increasingly clean too.
Liz said the GE 9F.05 turbine has been a long time coming and its arrival was met with excitement by EnergyAustralia.
“The turbine began its journey in mid-March when it was loaded onto a ship in the US city of Charleston, South Carolina.
“Once the turbine arrived at Port Kembla, more than two months later, it was a big logistical task getting it to Yallah, involving four prime movers travelling at very slow speeds, sometimes under bridges where it only just fit. To see it arrive safely at site was really exciting.
“The turbine will be at the heart of a power station which is the first of its kind in Australia – capable of utilising a mix of green hydrogen and natural gas. And Tallawarra B’s direct greenhouse gas emissions will be fully offset over its operational life.”
Once the plant is up and running EnergyAustralia will be able to buy 200,000 kilograms of green hydrogen per year.
“What’s particularly exciting is that we will be conducting engineering studies to see if the amount of green hydrogen can increase.
“The construction of Tallawarra B is just one of the ways we’re making our promise of ‘doing, not just dreaming’ a reality,” said Liz.
Construction of the power station is taking place on weekdays between 7am to 6pm and on Saturdays between 8am to 1pm.
Around 50 people are currently working at the construction site, which will increase to 250 towards the end of the year. Keeping workers and the community safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic is a priority during the construction period.
EnergyAustralia will regularly consult with the community during the project’s construction. Locals interested in learning more are encouraged to call 1800 574 947 or email Tallawarra.Community@energyaustralia.com.au