Clive Palmer proposes $1.5b coal plant for Queensland

Waratah Coal chair Clive Palmer has announced plans to build a new $1.54 billion coal-fired power station in Queensland’s Galilee Basin.

Launching the proposal in Brisbane this week, Mr Palmer said the 700MW high-efficiency low-emission ultra-supercritical power station would be established on the mining lease for Waratah Coal’s Galilee Coal Project, 30km north of Alpha in Central Queensland.

“I am putting my money where my mouth is by announcing this new station so we can power Queensland and help bring down energy costs which continue to escalate,” Mr Palmer said.

“At full scale, the project will comprise two open cut and four underground mines, as well as supporting infrastructure, and will produce 40 million tonnes per annum of high-quality thermal coal for export markets.

“The Galilee Power Station will be developed as a contingent component of the overall project, providing the power needs for the mine operations, coal transportation and port operations, ready for export coal to Gladstone and future power needs for our proposed North Galilee coal mine development.”

Mr Palmer said the project would bring considerable social and economic benefits for the region.

He said construction would take up to four years, with more than 1000 jobs available, as well as an operational workforce of 90 to be required during the estimated 30-year power plant life.

“As for the larger Galilee Coal Project, the intent is to utilise local workforce wherever possible,” Mr Palmer said.

Construction of the Galilee Power Station is planned to commence in June 2020 and to have a build period of three years for the first unit with the second unit being commissioned six months later.

The commissioning and operations of the high-efficiency low-emission ultra-supercritical power station would be ready to provide power to the Galilee Coal Project during December 2023.

This timing and scheduling would allow for the Galilee Coal Project to deliver first coal to Gladstone during the first quarter of 2024.

Waratah Coal is seeking an amendment to their draft Environmental Authority to include a 700MW power station and associated transmission lines, coal handling facilities, ash containment facility and water storage facility.

Mr Palmer said Waratah Coal was committed to the sustained development of local communities and would undertake effective community engagement throughout the construction and operational phases of the proposed development.

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