Overview
Townsville is a 220 MW gas-fired power plant in Queensland, Australia, operated by RATCH Australia. It plays a key role in the region's electricity supply.
Townsville is a gas-fired power plant located in Queensland, Australia, with a capacity of 220 megawatts. It is owned and operated by RATCH Australia, a subsidiary of Thailand's Ratch Group. The plant is operational and contributes to the power generation mix in the region. The facility operates on natural gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. In Australia, gas-fired plants like Townsville are subject to national emissions regulations and state-level environmental policies. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-scale range for gas power plants in Australia. Townsville supports grid stability in Queensland, particularly during peak demand periods. Its location near the city of Townsville allows it to serve both industrial and residential customers. The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour compared to coal, aligning with Australia's transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Environmental context
The Townsville gas plant operates in a region with a tropical climate, where air quality is generally good. Gas-fired generation produces lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter compared to coal plants. The plant's proximity to populated areas is managed through adherence to Australian emission standards. Its 220 MW capacity and gas fuel type result in a moderate carbon footprint relative to larger coal-fired facilities.
Frequently asked questions
The Townsville gas power plant is located in Queensland, Australia, near the city of Townsville.
The Townsville power plant has a capacity of 220 megawatts (MW).
The Townsville gas plant is owned and operated by RATCH Australia.
Gas power plants in Australia are subject to national emissions standards under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act and state-level environmental regulations. They must comply with air quality limits and reporting requirements.
The Townsville plant provides 220 MW of flexible gas-fired generation, supporting grid stability in Queensland during peak demand and helping integrate renewable energy sources.