Overview
Worsley is a 120 MW coal power plant in Western Australia, operated by BHP. It supplies electricity to the Worsley Alumina refinery and the local grid.
Worsley is a coal-fired power station located in Western Australia, near the town of Collie. With a capacity of 120 megawatts, it is a medium-sized facility within the Australian coal power sector. The plant is owned and operated by BHP, primarily serving the energy needs of the Worsley Alumina refinery and contributing to the South West Interconnected System. The plant uses subcritical technology, typical for its age and size. It operates under Australia's National Electricity Market regulations and must comply with emissions standards set by the Australian government, including the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme. Coal is sourced from nearby mines in the Collie Basin. As a dedicated industrial power plant, Worsley plays a critical role in supporting alumina production, a key export for Australia. Its location in a sparsely populated area reduces direct population exposure, but its coal-fired nature contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The facility is subject to ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding emissions and efficiency improvements.
Environmental context
Worsley's coal combustion releases CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Its location in a rural area with low population density mitigates direct health impacts, but emissions contribute to regional air quality and global climate change. The plant's age and subcritical technology result in lower efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to modern supercritical or CCGT plants. Regulatory frameworks such as the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme require monitoring and reporting of emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Worsley power plant is located near Collie in Western Australia, approximately 200 kilometers south of Perth.
The Worsley coal power plant has a capacity of 120 megawatts (MW).
The Worsley power station is owned and operated by BHP, a global resources company.
Coal power plants in Australia must comply with the National Electricity Market rules, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, and state-based environmental regulations for emissions and water use.
The primary fuel used at Worsley is coal, sourced from the nearby Collie Basin.