Birdsville’s landmark geothermal power station will be upgraded to produce more clean energy for the remote south western Queensland community.
Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said today the Bligh Government is investing up to $4.3 million to help replace ageing equipment at the Ergon Energy-owned and operated plant.
The funding will provide a 50 per cent subsidy for the project which will invest in new, leading edge geothermal technology.
“The Birdsville geothermal power station is the only one of its kind in Australia to tap into this clean renewable energy source to provide emission-free power,” Mr Robertson said.
“The plant draws its energy from near-boiling water taken deep from within the Great Artesian Basin that supplies water for the town.
“The power station currently generates about 30 per cent of Birdsville’s energy supplies.
“It’s also helping the local environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 400 tonnes a year and diesel fuel consumption by approximately 160,000 litres.”
Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said the plant upgrade would significantly increase the station’s electricity generating potential.
“Geothermal energy is one of the most exciting potential sources of renewable energy in Australia and Queensland is leading the way,” Ms Kiernan said.
“The Birdsville geothermal plant was coming to the end of its operational life and the options were simple – upgrade or walk away.
“The Bligh Government is strongly committed to renewable energy initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and provide a clean energy future for Queensland.
“That’s why we are looking beyond the horizon and investing in the future of this iconic power station for the people of Birdsville,” she said.
“At any given moment the present plant produces 80 kilowatts of geothermal power. Depending on what geothermal technology is selected, the upgrade could increase the output from a minimum of 90 kilowatts up to 340 kilowatts,”
“This would provide at least 724,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of clean renewable energy a year compared to the 522,600 KWh produced in 2007.
“The new power station could also save up to 1,575 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year and reduce fuel consumption by at least 181,000 litres per year.
“Ergon Energy is also examining options to see whether the power station can one day supply all of Birdsville’s power from geothermal energy. “
Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government was providing up to $4.3 million for the project with a grant from the Queensland Renewable Energy Fund.
The balance of the project cost will be met by Queensland Government-owned energy corporation, Ergon Energy.
The Birdsville power station was first commissioned in 1992 and remains Australia’s only operational geothermal power station capable of electricity generation 24 hours a day.
The energy source comes from hot water taken from the Great Artesian Basin at a depth of 1,280 metres. This hot bore water provides a ‘free’ energy resource, which would otherwise be wasted when water is cooled before use.
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