Turbine installation marks next phase of construction of Origin’s Darling Downs Power Station
ASX/Media Releases
28 Oct 2008
The installation of the first gas turbine at Origin’s Darling Downs Power Station site near Dalby in southern Queensland marks the beginning of the next phase of construction on the $780 million project.
Darling Downs Power Station Project Director, Paul Farnworth, said construction work is on track for commercial operations to begin in the first quarter of 2010.
“We are excited about reaching this stage of construction. This will be our largest power station and the largest combined cycle power station in Australia.
“It was a challenging job to move the 200 tonne turbine from the Port of Brisbane to the site over the Toowoomba Range, particularly with recent localised flooding restricting our vehicle movements.
“The crews involved in transporting the turbine and the construction crew responsible for setting it on its foundation have done a terrific job.
“The second gas turbine will be delivered in the next few weeks with the third in transit and expected at site in November. Delivery of the turbines will mark a shift in the construction effort from civil works to mechanical and electrical installation.
The Darling Downs Power Station will generate 630 megawatts of electricity into the grid, providing power to Queensland homes and businesses.
The power station will be air-cooled, meaning it only uses 200 mega litres of water a year, around two to three percent of the water used by a typical water-cooled coal-fired power station.
The gas will be supplied from Origin’s coal seam gas fields in Queensland.
The gas turbine delivered this week is one of three Frame 9E gas turbines manufactured by GE in Europe, which will be in place on site. Each turbine generates 120 megawatts of electricity.
A fourth turbine, driven by steam raised from the gas turbines’ waste heat, will generate 270 megawatts of electricity.
About 300 construction workers are on site now with a peak of between 450 and 500 expected as work progresses.
Origin has contracted a consortium of GE and CH2M Hill to construct the project.
Editors’ note: Vision/photographs of generator being installed available from Origin. Talent on VNR is Gene Triggs-Fulton, Construction Manager, Darling Downs Power Station.
Media contact:
Anne Syvret, Communications Manager (Qld)
07 3867 0323 or 0437 502752
About Origin Energy
Origin Energy is a leading Australasian integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing. Listed in the ASX top 25 the company has more than 3,500 employees, is the largest owner and developer of gas fired generation in Australia and the largest holder of proved and probable gas reserves in eastern Australia. Origin is the largest green energy retailer in Australia and a leading wholesaler and retailer of energy. Origin is also the major shareholder in Contact Energy of New Zealand. The company has investments in renewable energy and a strong focus on ensuring the sustainability of its operations. In 2007 Origin received the Ethical Investor Sustainable Company of the Year award. For more information go to www.originenergy.com.au