Fuel and Energy Minister Geoff Gallop will visit the Kimberley region this week to advance SECWA plans for remote area power.
The Minister said today that inspections of two sites on the Ord River for a hydro power plant would head his agenda. Visits to Broome, Noonkanbah and Milijiddee were also included in his July 23 and 24 schedule.
"SECWA is keen to reduce the operating costs of Kununurra's 12.4 megawatt diesel-fired power station and supports proposals to develop hydro-electricity in the Kununurra system," Dr Gallop said.
"Argyle Diamond Mines gained environmental approval for a hydro plant with 2 X 20MW potential at the main dam forming Lake Argyle, but the company has recently decided not to proceed with this plan.
"An alternative location for a plant of about 12MW is the irrigation dam on Bandicoot Bar which forms Lake Kununurra.
"A range of proposals exist for hydro facilities at both sites but none of them have progressed beyond the feasibility study stage.
"SECWA is working with the WA Water Authority on preliminary design studies. The program provides for tenders to be called for the hydro generating plant in early November."
Dr Gallop said Broome was the focus of a demand management program to prolong the life of the town's 11MW diesel-powered electricity generating system.
While in Broome he would visit the local power station and speak on the Demand Management Study at the Broome Civic Centre.
Noonkanbah's power was provided by an all diesel station with a total capacity of 310 kilowatts. An 11 kilovolt distribution line provided electricity to the Warrimbah community 25 kilometres from Noonkanbah.
The Milijiddee community's power was supplied by a diesel-solar hybrid system. Fuel efficiency improvements of 50 per cent had been gained from similar hybrid systems and engine maintenance was also considerably reduced.
