The 320MW continuous base-load, natural gas-fired combined cycle turbine plant is to be constructed by Wambo Power Ventures in the Kwinana industrial area south of Perth.
The project has passed the WA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which said the project would use the best technology available to help reduce greenhouse emissions, while nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels in the surrounding Hope Valley area would not be increased.
“While the NOx emission levels are within the relevant guidelines, in the interest of minimising emissions, I have encouraged the proponent to consider opportunities for further reductions should the proposal go ahead,” said WA environment minister Judy Edwards.
“The proponent’s commitment to investigate, and if necessary, remediate potential soil contamination on the site arising from previous fly-ash disposal is also welcome.”
Three appeals were made against the EPA’s approval, primarily over concerns regarding NOx emissions and that no EPA recommendation was made for the provision of greenhouse gas offsets. But Edwards maintained the project was being run under emissions best practice conditions.
“Wambo Power Ventures has committed to develop a greenhouse management plan and to join the Greenhouse Challenge program, a national initiative through which companies agree to report greenhouse gas emissions and adopt measures to reduce them,” said Edwards.
“The Government also is establishing a greenhouse and energy taskforce to address the whole issue of greenhouse gas emissions from the stationary energy sector that will develop a strategic approach to reducing greenhouse gases.”
