Overview
Pinjarra Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery is a 280 MW gas power plant in Western Australia, operated by Alinta Energy. It supplies electricity to the refinery and the local grid.
Pinjarra Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery is a gas-fired power plant located in Western Australia, near the town of Pinjarra. With a capacity of 280 MW, it is a medium-scale facility that provides electricity to the adjacent alumina refinery and contributes to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). The plant is owned and operated by Alinta Energy, a major Australian energy company. The facility uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which results in lower CO2 emissions compared to coal-fired plants. Gas power plants in Australia are subject to national emissions standards and state-based environmental regulations. Pinjarra Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery plays a key role in supporting Australia's alumina production industry, one of the country's major export sectors. The plant's location in the Peel region, near the city of Mandurah, places it in a semi-rural area with moderate population density. Its operation is integral to the local economy and energy security, while its gas-fired nature aligns with Australia's transition towards lower-emission power generation.
Environmental context
The plant's use of natural gas results in lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter compared to coal-fired plants. However, it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The facility is located in a region with Mediterranean climate, and its proximity to the Peel-Harvey Estuary, a significant ecological area, necessitates careful management of water use and discharges. Regulatory compliance with the Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme and state environmental protection policies is required.
Frequently asked questions
The Pinjarra Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery is located in Western Australia, near the town of Pinjarra, approximately 90 km south of Perth.
The Pinjarra power plant has a capacity of 280 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale gas-fired facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Alinta Energy, a leading Australian energy company.
Gas power plants in Australia must comply with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme, state-based emissions standards, and the Safeguard Mechanism for large emitters. They are also subject to local environmental impact assessments.
The plant supplies electricity to the Pinjarra alumina refinery and exports surplus power to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), supporting the regional grid's stability.