EnergyAustralia is pushing ahead with the expansion of the Tallawarra power station in the Illawarra region of New South Wales following the signing of an agreement with the State Government.
The Tallawarra Stage B project is aiming to become Australia's first net zero emissions hybrid hydrogen and gas power plant.
“We thank the New South Wales Government for its support for Tallawarra B. It means the station will be operating in time for the summer of 2023-24, following the closure of the Liddell power station, and it will help to kick start the green hydrogen industry.
“We are leading the sector by building the first net zero emissions hydrogen and gas capable power plant in New South Wales,” EnergyAustralia Managing Director Catherine Tanna said.
In addition, further engineering studies will inform the possibility of increasing the amount of green hydrogen to help support the Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub.
Once up and running, Tallawarra B will help improve the State's energy security, reliability as well as flexibility options.
“Our new open-cycle, hydrogen and gas capable turbine will provide firm capacity on a continuous basis and paves the way for additional cleaner energy sources to enter the system.
“EnergyAustralia has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. Today we provide further evidence of another energy project that can help keep the lights on for customers with reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy,” Ms Tanna said.
The more than 300MW Tallawarra B project is expected to create up to 250 jobs during construction and it is also anticipated to contribute $300 million to the economy in addition to delivering reliable power to about 150,000 homes.
“This project sets a new benchmark for how gas generators can be consistent with NSW's plan to be net zero by 2050 by using green hydrogen and offsetting residual emissions,” Minister for Energy Matt Kean said.
A consortium between Clough and GE has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the Tallawarra Stage B project.
“We are very excited to be part of the Tallawarra Stage B project, Australia's first hydrogen and gas capable power station. This power plant expansion will boost the Illawarra economy and produce hundreds of jobs during the construction phase,” Clough CEO and Managing Director Peter Bennett said.
“Our consortium partner, GE, is a leader in gas turbine technology and combined with Clough's Australian project delivery expertise create a capability that is unparalleled,” Clough Executive Vice President John Galvin said.
The Tallawarra power station is located in Yallah, approximately 13 kilometres south west of Wollongong.
Source: EnergyAustralia; Clough; Renew Economy; ABC News; NS Energy