Overview
Bremer Bay Diesel Backup is a 1.3 MW diesel power plant in Western Australia, operated by Verve Energy. It provides backup power generation for the remote coastal community of Bremer Bay.
Bremer Bay Diesel Backup is a small-scale diesel power plant located in Bremer Bay, Western Australia, Australia. With a capacity of 1.3 MW, it serves as a backup power source for this remote coastal community. The plant is owned and operated by Verve Energy, a key electricity generator in Western Australia. The facility operates on diesel fuel, a common choice for remote and backup power generation due to its reliability and ease of transport. While diesel plants have higher carbon emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewables, they play a critical role in ensuring grid stability in isolated areas. In Australia, such facilities are subject to national emission standards and state-level environmental regulations. As a backup plant, Bremer Bay Diesel Backup provides essential grid resilience for the Bremer Bay area, which relies on a mix of local generation and long-distance transmission. Its small capacity and intermittent operation mean its environmental footprint is limited compared to baseload plants. The facility supports community energy security in a region prone to extreme weather events.
Environmental context
Diesel power plants like Bremer Bay Diesel Backup emit CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, with higher intensity per MWh than natural gas or renewable sources. Located in a remote coastal area, its emissions are dispersed, reducing local air quality impacts. However, diesel fuel transport and storage pose spill risks. The plant's small capacity and backup role limit its overall environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Bremer Bay Diesel Backup is located in Bremer Bay, Western Australia, Australia, near the southern coast.
Bremer Bay Diesel Backup has a capacity of 1.3 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power plant.
Bremer Bay Diesel Backup is owned and operated by Verve Energy, a major electricity generator in Western Australia.
Diesel power plants in Australia must comply with national emission standards under the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) and state-level regulations, such as the Western Australian Environmental Protection Act.
Diesel backup plants provide reliable power during grid outages or peak demand, ensuring energy security for remote communities like Bremer Bay that may have limited grid connectivity.