Project Overview
The Coolimba Power Project, based near Eneabba, will help to develop the Mid West by delivering a secure energy supply in a growing region, as well as supplying the South West of the State. Energy is the essential ingredient needed to make sure the Mid West’s vast resources are developed to their full potential. Fuel for the Coolimba Power Project will be sourced from the Central West Coal deposit, 15km south of Eneabba and 150km south of the port of Geraldton. The deposit will provide a secure, long-term fuel supply for power generation and is the key to unlocking the potential of the Mid West region. The Project will benefit from existing infrastructure in the region, including high voltage power, highway access, railway and an established mining township. Coolimba is based on an existing minesite and will have minimal impact on native flora and fauna in the area. The entire Project area is encompassed by a mining lease and freehold title and is currently used for either agricultural or mining purposes. The Project is being designed with the potential to capture and store its carbon dioxide emissions. This would be a first for Western Australia and could potentially hold national and global significance as one of the first commercial carbon capture and storage projects in Australia. Providing energy for Western Australia Importantly, the Coolimba Power Project is located within the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). The SWIS services electricity customers north of Perth to Kalbarri and south of Perth to Albany. The vast majority of existing power generation in the SWIS is presently located south of Perth, in Collie. The Project will underpin economic development and growth in the Mid West and add a third major energy source into the SWIS. It will provide base load power at competitive prices due to its low cost fuel and close proximity to growing demand. The demand for electricity across the SWIS and particularly in the Mid West is growing rapidly. Customers for power from the Project will range from existing retailers operating in the SWIS, to large industrial and resource projects in the Mid West region. Existing and potential users in the Mid West total more than 500MW. Energy Hub Coolimba is located adjacent to both major gas pipelines in the Mid West and is close to Perth Basin gas fields. Coolimba is therefore ideally located in the Mid West's energy hub with coal-fired and gas-fired generation. In addition to the 400-450MW base load coal-fired plant, approval is also being obtained for up to 360MW of gas-fired generation for Coolimba.   |
