Clive Palmer announces $1.5bn coal-fired power station in QLD

According to Mining News Pro - Waratah Coal chairman Clive Palmer has launched a proposal to create a new 700MW coal-fired power station in the Galilee Basin, Queensland, in association with his company’s Galilee Coal project.

Construction of the $1.54 billion project will commence in 2020 to support the in-development Galilee Coal project located 30km north of Alpha.

The plant is intended to provide power for the mine’s operations (which focus on export coal for shipping via Gladstone), as well as power needs for the company’s proposed greenfield North Galilee coal mine, which is still in an early stage of planning.

“I am putting my money where my mouth is by announcing this new station so we can power Queensland and help bring down energy costs which continue to escalate,” Palmer said.

“At full scale, the project will comprise two open cut and four underground mines, as well as supporting infrastructure, and will produce 40 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of high quality thermal coal for export markets.”

Palmer said he anticipates that 1000 people will be employed over the power plant’s three-year development period, with up to 90 employees required throughout its 30-year mine life. First coal is expected from the Galilee coal project in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.

“The Galilee Power Station will be developed as a contingent component of the overall project, providing the power needs for the mine operations, coal transportation and port operations, ready for export coal to Gladstone and future power needs for our proposed North Galilee coal mine development,’’ Palmer said.