Siemens hands over 242MW combined cycle plant in Australia

Siemens recently completed the commissioning of Australia’s industrial power station, the Diamantina, consisting of two combined cycle power blocks, performing at more than 50 percent efficiency. Situated in Mount Isa in Queensland, the Diamantina combined cycle power station has been built adjacent to the existing Mica Creek station. It has a total capacity of 242 MW, which is sufficient to supply eco-friendly electricity to local mines operated by Glencore and to people living in the region.

The Diamantina Power Station is set out in a configuration of two 121 MW power blocks. The Siemens scope of supply encompassed two power islands each comprising two SGT-800 gas turbines, two heat-recovery steam generators (HRSG) with diverter dampers – both supplied by NEM Energy b.v., as well as one SST-400 steam turbine connected to the local grid via 132kV electrical switchyard.

Siemens has been responsible for the overall plant design, and has also provided technical advisory services during the construction and commissioning phases of the project. Siemens will provide maintenance for the SGT-800 Gas Turbines, SST-400 steam turbines, generators and the related control and auxiliary systems under a Long Term Services Agreement.

Erling Bruun, head of Industrial Power Plant Solutions in Siemens Power and Gas Division said Diamantina power station was a great example of the company’s eco-friendly power generation solutions for island off grid operation matching the variable power demand of the adjacent copper mine.

David Jones, General Manager Development of the APA Group said, “This plant meets the challenging demands of island operation and load flexibility, in combination with bringing a high efficiency and state-of-the-art low emission technology and solutions.”