AGL helps Qenos prepare for low carbon future with new co-generation plant 

10 March 2011

AGL Energy Limited (AGL) has today announced plans to construct a state of the art co-generation facility for Qenos Pty Limited (Qenos) at its Altona plant in Victoria. The facility represents Australia’s largest industrial co-generation plant to be built in a decade.

This will secure Qenos’ energy supply and assist preparation for the eventual introduction of a price on carbon emissions.

At an approximate cost of $45 million, the plant will have a nominal capacity of 21MW and when coupled with a heat recovery steam generator, will produce up to 88 tonnes of steam per hour. The embedded co-generation facility is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of polyethylene at the Qenos plant by 100,000 tonnes CO2-e per annum, the equivalent to 24,390 cars off the road. 

Anthony Fowler, Group General Manager Merchant Energy said, “This represents the largest investment in industrial or manufacturing co-generation in over 10 years.

“It also helps Qenos remain competitive as Australia prepares for a carbon constraint,” he said.

AGL will build the co-generation plant for Qenos and the parties have entered into an Operating and Maintenance Agreement for the next 15 years, with options to extend to 25 years. AGL will also become the sole supplier of natural gas to the site to operate the gas turbine and balance of plant.  The co-generation plant and balance of plant is estimated to consume approximately 4.5PJ of natural gas per annum.

Qenos Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Clancy said, “this project is a further demonstration of the power of cooperation between industry, government, employees and the community to provide a secure long term energy source and improve the economics associated with the production of polyethylene, whilst providing and significant benefit for our environment.  This is an investment in real sustainability.

“I recently announced our ethane expansion project at Qenos Altona.  This project has provided confidence in the long term viability of our Altona operations enabling further investments in projects like co-generation,” said Mr Clancy.
Mr Fowler said, “This agreement takes advantage of AGL’s strong position in the gas industry and utilises our dedicated team of 85 plus engineers within AGL Energy Services, devoted to our industrial and commercial customers’ energy efficiency.

“It is a clear demonstration of the implementation of AGL’s integrated energy strategy through providing embedded energy generation and energy efficiency based solutions to commercial and industrial customers.

“We are actively pursuing opportunities to help other customers optimise their energy efficiency and prepare for the impending carbon constraint.”

Construction, which is estimated to generate approximately 40 jobs, is expected to commence in September 2011 and the co-generation plant will be operational in late 2012.  Additional local jobs will also be created once operational.  AGL’s EPC contractor for the project is UGL Limited (UGL) and the turbine for the project will be provided by Solar Turbines International and supported by Solar's overhaul, parts, and service facility in Rowville, Victoria.

“Co-generation involves the use of a specifically selected turbine to produce both electricity and capture waste heat used to create steam.  As this form of energy production is more efficient, it produces less greenhouse gas emissions and is often highly economic for businesses,” said Mr Fowler.

Qenos is the cornerstone of the Australian plastics industry and the nation’s sole manufacturer and leading supplier of world class polyethylene and polymers. Qenos’ products are used in the manufacture of every day household items such as milk bottles, and packaging as well as key water infrastructure such as pipes and water tanks.  Qenos also has a plant in Botany, NSW.  It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Bluestar (Group) Co. Ltd. (China Bluestar) a joint venture between China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) and The Blackstone Group.

AGL also owns and operates co-generation plants at Coopers Brewery (4.4MW) in South Australia, Melbourne Water (10MW), and Symex Holdings (4.4MW) in Victoria.

Further inquiries:

Karen Winsbury, Senior Media Advisor
Direct: +61 3 8633 6388
Mobile: +61 (0) 408 465 479
e-mail:  kwinsbury@agl.com.au

 Nathan Vass, Head of Media
Direct: + 61 2 9921 2264
Mobile: + 61 (0) 405 040 133
e-mail:  nvass@agl.com.au

About AGL
AGL is Australia's leading integrated renewable energy company and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 170 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL currently has Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer base. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.

About Qenos
Qenos is Australia’s sole manufacturer and leading supplier of world class polyethylene and polymers. We add value to Australia’s rich oil and gas reserves creating innovative products that promote sustainability across Australian industries. Every day, Australians rely on products made from the polymers and chemicals produced by Qenos - from juice and milk bottles, to mobile garbage bins, water tanks and pipes. Qenos polymers are everywhere.  Each year, Qenos contributes more than $1billion to the Australian economy and is an integral part of Australia’s plastics industry; a progressive employer and a safe and responsible member of our local communities.  Qenos is a subsidiary of China National Bluestar (Group) Co. Ltd, a joint venture between China National Chemical Corporation and The Blackstone Group. Our international links allow us to source specialty products from around the world and give us access to global business opportunities.

About UGL
UGL Limited (ASX: UGL) is an engineering, maintenance and facilities management company operating in the water, power, transport, communications, resources and property sectors. It consists of four divisions – UGL Infrastructure, UGL Rail, UGL Resources and UGL Services. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, UGL Limited operates in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America and the Middle East employing approximately 44,000 people. For more information, visit: www.ugllimited.com

About Solar Turbines
Solar Turbines Incorporated, headquartered in San Diego, California is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. Solar manufactures the world’s most widely used family of mid-sized industrial gas turbines. More than 12,000 Solar units are operating in 93 countries around the world. www.solarturbines.com