Power reliability in Onslow will improve over the summer, with the installation of a one megawatt (MW) generator at the Onslow Power Station on the weekend.
Project Manager Maurice Ryan said the generator will meet demand during the height of summer, which typically peaks in February to March.
“The installation of this generator was very timely, as the temperature in Onslow hit 42 degrees on Saturday – a sign of the weather to come this summer,” he said.
Horizon Power began working on increasing Onslow’s generation in October. High voltage switch gear was then commissioned in November to allow for additional generating equipment to be connected to the system as demand increases over the coming years.
Horizon Power, together with its Independent Power Producer, has also completed an upgrade of the power station control system, to ensure the smooth transition between the existing generators and any new units being installed. Horizon Power is confident the new control system will improve reliability while the additional generation will ensure capacity is available.
Horizon Power has long term plans with Chevron Australia to install a new power station to support the future growth of Onslow. The two companies are moving closer to finalising an agreement about a new power station which will be capable of delivering nine megawatts of power. The new power station is expected to be delivered in 2016. Preliminary design work on the new power station will soon commence.
Horizon Power will closely monitor the demand for power over the coming months to determine how much additional power is required before the long-term power station is operational in 2016.
For more information about works in Onslow, visit the project page
Contact Reference: Horizon Power media line - Phone: 1800 799 745