Managing director Chris Laurie said the plant’s gas cleaning and drying process was performing to expectations and the liquefaction process was being commissioned.

“We have incurred some commissioning delays but are now proceeding with commissioning and the ramp up to operation of the LNG plant,” Laurie said.

“Barring unforeseen circumstances we expect to be delivering LNG to the Broome power facility during October.”

Now the plant is online, Energy Developments expects its LNG-fuelled power stations at Broome (3MW), Derby (15MW), Fitzroy Crossing (6MW) and Halls Creek (5MW) to begin operating in late October to December, slightly later than previously forecast.

Construction of all power stations was now complete with the exception of minor items and commissioning.

Laurie said the operations teams were in place and ready to operate the power stations when LNG was available.

He said the final capital cost for the plant and power stations, which comprise the West Kimberley Power Project, remains within the $310-320 million range.

This is double the $150-185 million outlined in the original budget last year.