Power plant planned for South Walker Creek

Stanmore Resources plans to develop a 20MW gas-fired power plant at the South Walker Creek coal mine, supported by the State's Low Emissions Investment Partnerships program. The project is planned to capture coal seam gas at the Bowen Basin mine, reducing future fugitive emissions. Stanmore said the gas would be used to provide a long-term, self-sufficient source of power for the mine. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027, subject to approvals, with commercial-scale coal seam gas drainage and electricity generation thereafter for at least 15 years. “Stanmore is excited by this project and welcomes the support of the Queensland Government," chief executive officer Marcelo Martos said. "The project will take methane from the coal seam and convert this into a long-term stable power solution for the mine, reducing our future Scope 1 emissions whilst continuing to produce and deliver high-quality metallurgical coal to our customers.” The 2023–24 Queensland Budget announced the $520 million Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) program to bring forward investment in projects that will drive down emissions in Queensland’s highest-emitting facilities. The Stanmore Resources project is the first to gain LEIP backing. Announcing the support, the State Government said underground coal mining already trapped fugitive gas prior to coal extraction and Stanmore was now applying the same technology at an open-cut mine. If successful, the project could pave the way to fast-track emissions reduction across the broader coal sector, it said. Related: EOIs open for coal sector in emissions reduction program “Our government is absolutely committed to our 75 by 35 emissions reduction target, and to a strong future for the resources sector across Queensland," Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said. “The LEIP program is investing in innovations that will reduce emissions that occur through the mining process that supplies the coal we need for steelmaking. “Queensland’s high-quality metallurgical coal is a vital element in producing the world’s renewable energy infrastructure such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. “The application of proven technologies to capture and convert gas at South Walker Creek has the potential to accelerate Queensland’s decarbonisation." LEIP funding support will be released for the South Walker Creek power plant as the project hits development milestones. In addition to support from the Queensland Government, Stanmore said it would be entering into joint venture agreements for gas extraction, power plant construction and ongoing operation. That power station is expected to offset South Walker Creek’s entire electricity requirements and employ 30 people during construction on top of the mine’s existing workforce of 1200. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/gas-trial-to-transform-mine-safety-emissions-problem-into-profit/

Power plant planned for South Walker Creek

Industry Queensland

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