Turbine power for Tasmania

Tasmania’s energy woes may be alleviated shortly, thanks to a new contract for supply of three clean-burning dual fuel gas turbines.

The beleaguered state has been unable to maintain adequate power generation via its hydropower facilities, thanks to a period of prolonged drought. The situation has been further exacerbated by the failure of an undersea power cable, meaning that importing electricity from the mainland is not an option.

Fast-track power solution provider, US-based APR Energy will provide a mobile power plant to mitigate the current problems, with the plant expected to be up and running by early May, ensuring continuity of electricity supply security.

The plant’s aeroderivative fuel flexible turbines will use water injection to further reduce emissions. The turbines will produce 93% less nitrogen oxide than a typical high-speed diesel reciprocating engine, resulting in a reduction of NO_x emissions of 8017 metric tons by diesel reciprocating engines on an annualised basis to 532 metric tons of NO_x emissions.

In addition, the power-dense turbines require approximately one-third of the space needed for an equivalent-output plant using diesel reciprocating engines, and they generate approximately 20% less noise.

“We are pleased to be able to provide Hydro Tasmania with a low-emission power solution in just two months as they work to ensure reliable electricity supply for Tasmanian households and business customers,” said APR Energy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Campion.

“Our mobile turbines offer numerous advantages for environmentally conscious customers and developed markets with stringent regulatory controls such as Tasmania and the rest of Australia.”

The Tasmanian project is APR Energy’s second in Australia, having also supplied a four-turbine project that supports Horizon Power in Port Hedland in Western Australia.