Power plant to boost jobs and industry

More than 200 jobs will be created in South Hedland with the commissioning of a new power station to bring energy to the Pilbara.

Dubbed the most efficient gas power station in the region by Horizon Power, the new South Hedland power station will deliver 150MW to the Pilbara region.

The station is predicted to create up to 214 jobs during the construction phase and, once completed, will have 24 staff supporting the 24-hour operations.

Horizon Power managing director Frank Tudor said the new station included the latest technology and had not cost taxpayers.

“This combined cycle gas power station will provide essential energy supply for the rapidly growing Pilbara region under an innovative privately funded delivery model constructed under an agreement between the State Government, Horizon Power and Fortescue Metals Group,” he said.

“It has been a successful project, a collaboration of some of the most important energy and resources companies in the world delivering efficient supplies to our customers.”

The new power station will feature both natural gas and steam turbines, with the steam turbine using waste heat from the gas turbine to generate additional electricity.

The project also includes the construction of a new transmission line for delivery of power to FMG’s port operations.

Incorporating the Hedland Precinct Power Project, built by Horizon Power in 2014, the connection infrastructure will cover almost 5km and also deliver long-term electricity supply to Roy Hill port operations in Port Hedland.

The station will be built, maintained and operated by TransAlta Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd.