Australian utility and gas group EnergyAustralia has given approval for construction of the 316 MW Tallawarra B gas-fired power plant in the Illawarra region of New South Wales (NSW). The new plant will be ready to operate in late 2023/early 2024, by which time the 1680 MW black coal-fired Liddell power plant in NSW will be closed.
EnergyAustralia is 100 per cent owned by CLP of Hong Kong.
Catherine Tanna, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia, said Tallawarra B will be Australia’s first net-zero emissions hydrogen- and gas-capable power plant, with direct carbon emissions from the project to be offset over its operational life. EnergyAustralia will offer to buy 200 000 kg/yr of green hydrogen from 2025.
Matt Kean, Energy Minister for NSW, said: “This project sets a new benchmark for how gas generators can be consistent with NSW’s plan to be net zero by 2050 by using green hydrogen and offsetting residual emissions.”