The Queensland government has announced funding support for a major gas-fired power station expansion at Peabody’s Centurion underground coal mine in regional Queensland.
The project will expand the site’s existing five-megawatt power station to 20 megawatts, allowing it to generate enough self-produced electricity to meet almost all of its operational needs.
By capturing waste goaf gas from old mining voids and converting it into power, the initiative will lower operational emissions while providing a reliable energy source for the mine.
Construction on the expansion is scheduled to begin by the end of the year, creating up to 60 local construction jobs. The Centurion mine produces coking coal for steelmaking and currently employs nearly 525 workers.
The announcement coincides with ongoing work on a similar energy project at Yancoal’s Kestrel mine near Emerald. Construction is already underway on a new 30-megawatt power station at Kestrel that will run on captured gas from active operations.
Once operational in early 2027, the Kestrel power station is expected to produce enough annual electricity to power the equivalent of more than 40,000 homes.
“Investments at Centurion and Kestrel demonstrate how government and industry can work together to deliver practical energy infrastructure, support regional economies and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Queensland’s resources sector,” Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last added that the projects showcase practical technology being deployed to reduce costs and make better use of waste gas.
Peabody Energy President and CEO Jim Grech welcomed the government’s backing, along with support from project partner Carbon Logica.
“The Centurion Goaf Gas Capture Project will transform captured mine gas into a reliable source of electricity capable of meeting almost all of the mine’s power requirements,” Grech said.
“We’re strengthening Centurion’s long-term future while supporting jobs and investment in Central Queensland.”