Reduction in Energy Generation to Affect Goldfields

2 West Kal Units to Retire


Article heading image for Reduction in Energy Generation to Affect Goldfields

The Labor State Government have announced that there will be a reduction in its Non Renewable generation to fix an oversupply of Electricity to Western Australia and the South West Interconnected System which in part supplies the Goldfields and Kalgoorlie Boulder in particular.   

The reduction will occur progressively to ensure supply is not affected. There is a specific Kalgoorlie Boulder link not just via being connected to the SWIS but also with the retirement of West Kalgoorlie Turbine units 2 and 3 which supply 63MW of Electricity. 

The assets designated for retirement are:

  • Muja AB units 1 to 4 (240MW)
  • Mungarra gas turbine units 1, 2 and 3 (113MW)
  • West Kalgoorlie gas turbine units 2 and 3 (62MW)
  • Kwinana gas turbine unit 1 (21MW).

 Discussions have been undertaken between Synergy, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Western Power to finalise the decision to ensure the SWIS does not experience supply issues. 

According to Energy Minister Ben Wyatt “This is certainly not the end for thermal or gas-fired generation which remains critical sources of base-load generation.  There is a need for a balanced mix of energy generation sources and the State Government is working with industry to transition generation in WA which will be undertaken responsibly. 

“I have personally visited and seen the important work that goes into electricity generation at some of Synergy’s sites and will be working closely with them to ensure local communities are supported during this transition.”

No word yet on whether the 25 Jobs affected will be any from Kalgoorlie Boulder. 

5 May 2017




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