In a major step for Queensland’s renewable energy future, the delivery of the state’s first hydrogen-ready peaking plant is officially underway.
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Thanks to partnership led by publicly owned energy company, CS Energy, GE Vernova will supply hydrogen-ready peaking generation units, in a move that will decrease Queensland’s reliance on fossil gas.
CS Energy signed an agreement with the global energy leader for the supply of the key equipment for the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant equipment, to be rolled out at the future Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub in the Western Downs.
The peaking plant will initially be capable of operating on 35% renewable hydrogen, with a pathway to 100% hydrogen over time. The open-cycle power station will have fast-start capability and the ability to operate in high demand periods to support variable solar and wind energy. With a capacity of 400MW, it will be able to power more than 75,000 homes during peak demand periods.
The power station is scheduled to be operational in 2026, subject to final approvals.
CS Energy CEO Darren Busine said, “CS Energy is committed to securing a balanced mix of energy sources that can meet our customers’ decarbonisation requirements and support the delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The open-cycle design of the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant provides the ability for multiple start/stop cycles per day and the ability to ramp up to full power output within five minutes.
“This project is an example of how we are creating clean energy hubs at our power stations to deliver the energy mix needed to reliably transition the grid to renewable energy while also providing opportunities for our workforce to reskill.”
GE Vernova Gas Power President and CEO Eric Gray said, “We are honored to be considered to provide our highly efficient and flexible gas turbine technology for this project to supply homes and businesses in Queensland with affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.”
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A peaking power plant is a reliable source of fast power to provide sustained power output during peak demand periods. This is important in helping to address the variability of renewable energy generation and provide firm capacity to the grid, which means more dependable and consistent electricity supply to customers.
