Overview
Wagerup is a 380 MW gas-fired power plant in Western Australia, operated by Alinta Energy. It supplies electricity to the South West Interconnected System.
Wagerup is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Western Australia, approximately 120 km south of Perth. With a capacity of 380 MW, it is a medium-sized plant within the Australian National Electricity Market, contributing to the region's energy supply. The plant operates on natural gas, a fuel with lower carbon intensity compared to coal. It is part of Alinta Energy's portfolio, a major Australian energy retailer and generator. Gas plants in Australia typically use combined cycle or open cycle gas turbines, with modern plants achieving higher efficiency. Wagerup plays a role in supporting grid stability and meeting peak demand in Western Australia. Its location in a region with growing energy needs underscores its importance. The plant operates under Australian environmental regulations, including emissions standards and reporting requirements under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal-fired generation. Its location in a semi-rural area reduces direct population exposure to emissions. However, gas extraction and transport have upstream environmental impacts. The facility's age and technology (if older) may affect efficiency and emissions intensity.
Frequently asked questions
Wagerup is located in Western Australia, approximately 120 km south of Perth, near the town of Waroona.
Wagerup is a gas-fired power plant, using natural gas as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
The plant is owned and operated by Alinta Energy, a major Australian energy company.
Wagerup has a capacity of 380 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-sized gas plant in Australia.
Gas power plants in Australia must comply with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme (NGERS) and state-based emissions regulations, including limits on NOx and SOx under the National Environment Protection Measures.