Energy Minister Peter Collier has today marked the start of construction of Perth Energy’s new power station in Kwinana during a ground-breaking ceremony.

The gas-fired power station will have a capacity of 120 megawatts and is scheduled to start service in mid-2010.

“Perth Energy’s $120million commitment towards the plant for this site will contribute to reliability of supply to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS),” Mr Collier said.

“The open-cycle gas turbines of the new station will have quick-response capability and will take just five minutes to reach full capacity. 

“Ultimately, this can assist with increasing Western Australia’s capacity to manage intermittent power on the grid from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

“Perth Energy’s new generator for this site will also enhance the State’s ability to continue generating electricity during a gas shortage through its capacity to quickly switch fuels from gas to diesel.”

The Minister said the State Government, through the Gas Supply and Emergency Management committee, was taking measures to avert future shortages and ensure WA was better prepared for any future gas supply disruptions.

“In addition, the Government has given the go ahead to draft legislation to allow leaner gas (gas with lower energy content) into our main gas pipelines,” he said.

“This legislation will provide an opportunity for gas producers to develop leaner quality gas fields for supply to the domestic market.

“In doing so, Perth Energy and other companies with gas-fired generators will have potentially greater choice of gas suppliers in the future.”