ERM powers through $500m plan approved by EPA

Brisbane-based power generator ERM Power has gotten the nod from the Western Australian environmental watchdog to build a $500 million power station and gas pipeline at Three Springs in the Mid West, WA Business News reports.

ERM chief executive Phillip St Baker said the 330 megawatt, low emission open cycle gas turbine facility was intended to serve growing demand for energy in the emerging iron ore province, and would also feed energy into the south west energy grid, which powers the southern half of the state.

Western Power submitted an application to the state economic regulator last month to construct power line infrastructure from Neerabup to Three Springs, to facilitate connection from new projects, such as ERM’s, into the south west grid, and cater for the growing demand in the Mid West.

Among the new iron ore developments expected to benefit from ERM’s new power station are Gindalbie and Ansteel’s Karara and Asia Iron’s Extension Hill.

“Approval from Western Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority is an important milestone in the development of the Three Springs project,” Mr St Baker said.

“The next stage in the development is finalising fuel supply and electricity off-take agreements and capacity certification from the Independent Market Operator, which will allow us to make a final investment decision on the development.

To read more on this article, click here.

The GenTech Australia 2011 conference will be happening on 29-30 November 2011 at Bayview Eden Hotel, Melbourne. You can hear case studies on issues and opportunities faced by leading generators within Australia and internationally. For more information, click here.

To download the programme agenda, click here.