More than 400 jobs and a boost to the local economy will be an added bonus to a $90 million overhaul of the largest generating unit in Australia at CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station.
Located near Chinchilla in South West Queensland, the Kogan Creek Power Station is one of Australia’s most efficient and technically advanced coal-fired power stations.
Commissioned in 2007, the 750 MW power station can generate enough electricity to power up to one million homes.
Kogan Creek’s last major overhaul was carried out in 2016.
This overhaul includes a range of inspections, maintenance and upgrades of the power station equipment to ensure it continues to operate reliably, particularly over the summer peak demand period.
Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said that this is essential work, being taken to ensure continuity and reliability of supply for Queensland and creating employment and added prosperity to local regions.
Approximately 400 contractors are set to be on-site for the 77-day program of works, which commenced on 13 July and will run until 27 September 2019.
“Overhauls provide short-term employment opportunities for people with the skills and expertise required to undertake maintenance and upgrades to the power station,” Dr Lynham said.
Principal overhaul contractors Downer Group, Siemens and Intertek are expected to provide the majority of the workforce including electricians, boilermakers, riggers, fitters, welders, scaffolders and crane drivers.
Locally-based contractors also have been engaged to undertake parts of the project works including RiE Group, Healy Contracting and Day Break-Milne.
“The overhaul will bring a real economic boost to Chinchilla and surrounding communities, both from the extra workers on-site and the flow on-benefits to local service industries such as accommodation providers, caterers and transport companies,” Dr Lynham added.