CS Energy is developing Queensland’s first hydrogen-ready power station to be rolled out as part of a clean energy hub at Kogan Creek.

It has lined up GE Vernova to supply hydrogen-ready generation units for the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant.

The plant is intended to underpin energy security for Queenslanders, with fast-start capability and the ability to operate in high-demand periods to support variable solar and wind energy.

“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,” CS Energy chief executive officer Darren Busine said.

“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.”

Related: Power players formalise Kogan Creek hydrogen plans

The 400MW plant will initially be capable of operating on 35 per cent renewable hydrogen, with a pathway to 100 per cent hydrogen over time.

The signing of the supply agreement with GE Vernova marks the first major equipment order for the project and follows extensive studies to inform its design.

The plant will consist of 12 GE aeroderivative turbines with a capacity of 33 MW per unit and will initially source renewable hydrogen from CS Energy’s Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant.

Production of renewable hydrogen is expected to be scaled up through the development of a commercial-scale hydrogen production facility as part of the Kogan Clean Energy Hub.

The Queensland Government said the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant was scheduled to be operational in 2026, subject to final approvals.

“Queensland’s clean energy economy will need a mix of renewable energy, firming technology and high-capacity transmission,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said.

“Up to three gigawatts of additional low-to-zero-emission gas will be required for peak demand and backup security by 2035.

“That’s why our government’s Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund is supporting towards the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant.”