Valley (Peaking Facility) - 300 MW Gas Power Plant in Victoria, Australia

Valley (Peaking Facility) is a gas-fired power plant located in Victoria, Australia, with a capacity of 300 MW. Operated by Snowy Hydro Ltd, the facility plays a key role in meeting peak electricity demand in the region. As a peaking plant, it is designed to start up quickly and operate during periods of high demand, complementing baseload generation. The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which produces lower CO2 emissions compared to coal but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In Australia, gas-fired power plants are subject to national emissions regulations and state-level environmental policies. The facility's technology is typical for peaking plants, often using open-cycle gas turbines (OCGT) for rapid response. Valley (Peaking Facility) supports the reliability of the National Electricity Market (NEM) by providing flexible generation. Its location in Victoria allows it to serve the local grid and help integrate renewable energy sources by compensating for their variability. The plant's operation aligns with Australia's energy transition goals, balancing grid stability with emissions reduction efforts.

The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to Australia's greenhouse gas inventory. Its location in Victoria's Latrobe Valley, a region with significant coal-fired generation, means it provides a cleaner alternative for peaking needs. Proximity to populated areas is moderate, with potential local air quality impacts during operation. The facility's age and technology (likely OCGT) influence its efficiency and emissions profile.