Barker Inlet Power Station

Improving South Australia's energy reliability with modern technology.

A 210 MW reciprocating engine power station near Adelaide

The Barker Inlet Power Station comprises 12 reciprocating engines capable of generating approximately 18 MW of output each.

The engines operate at high efficiency and with a lower heat rate than other forms of fast-start plants currently available. The station is capable of operating at full capacity within five minutes, providing a rapid response to changes in renewable generation supply. As the state increases its renewable energy generation, sites like Barker Inlet are an important part of the energy mix.

The Barker Inlet Power Station improves South Australia's energy reliability and demonstrates our support for an orderly transition to a carbon-constrained future.

Location

The Barker Inlet Power Station will be located on Torrens Island, alongside the AGL Torrens Island Power Station site, 18km from Adelaide’s CBD.

Development

In July 2017, we announced a $295 million investment to develop a 210 MW reciprocating engine power station, the Barker Inlet Power Station. This station would sit alongside our Torrens Island Power Station site near Adelaide, South Australia.

The Barker Inlet Power Station will comprise 12 reciprocating engines capable of generating approximately 18 MW of output each. The engines operate at high efficiency and with a lower heat rate than other forms of fast-start plants currently available. The station will also be capable of operating at full capacity within five minutes, providing a rapid response to changes in renewable generation supply.

Investment in South Australia

The Barker Inlet Power Station will replace two of the four Torrens A turbines, which we will progressively mothball from September 2019. The four Torrens B generating units will continue to operate as normal.

As Torrens A is now 50 years old, our decision in June 2016 to defer its previously planned mothballing reflected the importance we place in maintaining security of supply in South Australia following the short notice withdrawal of other thermal power stations.

Our decision to move ahead with this development reflects our long-standing commitment to our South Australian customers. As Australia’s electricity market adapts to a carbon-constrained future, we’re focussed on our contribution to creating a secure energy system as the market transitions.

We will continue our commitment to improving reliability and security of supply in South Australia using modern, responsive technology that is more fuel efficient and less carbon intensive than the pre-existing plant.

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