❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the government's consideration of a new coal-fired power station, its potential greenhouse gas emissions, and the impact on Australia's emissions reduction commitments. The answer focuses on commercial viability and environmental approvals.
AnsweredQoN 783Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the report, in the
South Western Times
of 12 July 2001, accurate in stating that the State Government is seriously considering a new coal fired power station for Western Australia?
(2) If yes, what greenhouse gas emissions would be likely if Collie coal was used to power a 360 megawatt station?
(3) Would Australia’s moral and other commitments to reducing greenhouse emissions be a significant factor considered by the Government in determining what energy source would be used for any future expansion of electricity generating capacity in Western Australia?
(4) If yes, what consideration would apply in deciding between coal or gas fired electricity production?
South Western Times
of 12 July 2001, accurate in stating that the State Government is seriously considering a new coal fired power station for Western Australia?
(2) If yes, what greenhouse gas emissions would be likely if Collie coal was used to power a 360 megawatt station?
(3) Would Australia’s moral and other commitments to reducing greenhouse emissions be a significant factor considered by the Government in determining what energy source would be used for any future expansion of electricity generating capacity in Western Australia?
(4) If yes, what consideration would apply in deciding between coal or gas fired electricity production?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
6 November 2001
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
90 days
(2) Emissions will be dependent upon many factors related to the specifics of design and operation of any coal fired power station. A station similar to the existing new Collie power station would emit around 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. (3) The energy source for future expansion of electricity generating capacity in Western Australia will be decided on a commercial basis in the competitive electricity tendering process being developed by Western Power. In considering how requirements will be met after 2006, the Electricity Reform Taskforce is required to consider the role that sustainable/renewable energy is to have for reducing greenhouse emissions from electricity generation and supply. Comparative greenhouse gas emissions may well have commercial consequences when emission trading or alternative policy options are adopted by Australia. (4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
(3) The energy source for future expansion of electricity generating capacity in Western Australia will be decided on a commercial basis in the competitive electricity tendering process being developed by Western Power. In considering how requirements will be met after 2006, the Electricity Reform Taskforce is required to consider the role that sustainable/renewable energy is to have for reducing greenhouse emissions from electricity generation and supply. Comparative greenhouse gas emissions may well have commercial consequences when emission trading or alternative policy options are adopted by Australia. (4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
Comparative greenhouse gas emissions may well have commercial consequences when emission trading or alternative policy options are adopted by Australia. (4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
(4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
(3) The energy source for future expansion of electricity generating capacity in Western Australia will be decided on a commercial basis in the competitive electricity tendering process being developed by Western Power. In considering how requirements will be met after 2006, the Electricity Reform Taskforce is required to consider the role that sustainable/renewable energy is to have for reducing greenhouse emissions from electricity generation and supply. Comparative greenhouse gas emissions may well have commercial consequences when emission trading or alternative policy options are adopted by Australia. (4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
Comparative greenhouse gas emissions may well have commercial consequences when emission trading or alternative policy options are adopted by Australia. (4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
(4) Decisions between coal or gas fired electricity production would be largely influenced by the relative cost of electricity generation based on these fuels, with fuel costs being a major component in this respect. Any new power station proposal would require approval of its environmental management arrangements under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
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