Risk: Medium Gas Power Plant Operational

Mica Creek Gas Power Plant | Queensland, Australia

Australia
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Overview

Mica Creek is a 325 MW gas-fired power plant in Queensland, Australia, operated by Stanwell Corporation. It plays a key role in the region's electricity grid.

Mica Creek is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Queensland, Australia, with a capacity of 325 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by Stanwell Corporation, a major state-owned energy company. As a gas power plant, it contributes to Australia's energy mix, providing flexible generation to support grid stability. The facility operates under Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) regulations, which set emissions standards and operational requirements. Gas-fired plants like Mica Creek typically use combined cycle or open cycle gas turbine technology, offering lower carbon intensity compared to coal. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-scale range for Australian gas power stations. Mica Creek serves as a critical peaking or intermediate load plant, helping to balance supply and demand in Queensland's electricity network. Its location in a remote area minimizes direct population exposure to emissions. The plant supports local industry and communities by ensuring reliable power supply, while contributing to the transition towards cleaner energy sources in Australia.

Environmental context

As a gas-fired power plant, Mica Creek produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's location in a sparsely populated area of Queensland reduces direct air quality impacts on communities. However, gas extraction and transport can have environmental implications. The plant's age and technology (likely open cycle or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and emission profile.

Frequently asked questions

Mica Creek is located in Queensland, Australia, near the town of Mount Isa. Its coordinates are approximately 20.78°S, 139.49°E.

Mica Creek has a generating capacity of 325 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-sized gas-fired power station in Australia.

Mica Creek is owned and operated by Stanwell Corporation, a Queensland government-owned energy company that also operates other power stations in the state.

Gas power plants in Australia must comply with the National Electricity Market (NEM) rules and environmental regulations under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme. State-based emissions standards may also apply.

Mica Creek provides flexible gas-fired generation that can be dispatched quickly to meet peak demand or support renewable energy variability, helping maintain grid stability in Queensland.
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