PORT Kembla has received its heaviest piece of imported cargo on record: a 372-tonne gas turbine which will power Australia’s first dual-fuel natural gas/hydrogen power plant.
The GE 9F.05 gas turbine arrived at Australian Amalgamated Terminals on 15 May and has since been transported to EnergyAustralia’s Tallawarra B Power Station in Yallah, on the shores of Lake Illawarra.
The power station is positioned to become the nation’s first carbon offset hydrogen and gas capable power plant, and the gas turbine is vital to its operations.
NSW Ports general manager – commercial and business development Campbell Mason said the record shipment highlights Port Kembla’s role as a one of Australia’s key trade gateways.
“The arrival of this record-breaking machinery again demonstrates Port Kembla’s capacity to support diverse trades and meet the growing needs of Australian industries,” he said.
“Port Kembla is a key growth port for general cargo, connecting metropolitan and regional NSW with the world for a diverse range of non-containerised cargo.
“It’s perfectly placed to support major sustainable infrastructure projects like the Tallawarra B Power Station build, and the construction of Australia’s first liquified natural gas import terminal.”
EnergyAustralia chief operating officer Liz Westcott said the turbine will be at the heart of the new power station.
“The turbine will enable Tallawarra B to fire up quickly, within 30 minutes, stepping in when the supply of renewable energy is low to help keep the lights on,” she said.
“It’s just what our modern energy system needs – fast and flexible generation that complements renewables.
“The construction of Tallawarra B is just one of the ways we’re making our promise of ‘doing, not just dreaming’ a reality.”
The project is being built with support from the New South Wales government. It is expected to contribute $300 million to the economy and provide power to as many as 150,000 homes around the state each year.
