Overview
The Wagerup Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery, operated by Alcoa of Australia Ltd, is a 98 MW gas power plant in Western Australia. It provides electricity for the refinery's operations.
The Wagerup Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery is a gas-fired power plant located in Western Australia, operated by Alcoa of Australia Ltd. With a capacity of 98 MW, it is a medium-scale facility dedicated to powering the adjacent alumina refinery. The plant is currently operational and plays a critical role in the site's energy supply. The facility operates under Australia's National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme and state-level environmental regulations. Gas-fired generation typically produces lower CO2 emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's capacity of 98 MW places it in the mid-range for industrial gas power plants in Australia. The Wagerup plant is integral to the alumina refining process, which is energy-intensive. Its location in a rural area of Western Australia minimizes direct impact on densely populated regions. The facility supports local employment and the regional economy through its role in the mining and refining value chain.
Environmental context
The Wagerup plant uses natural gas, which emits less CO2 per MWh than coal but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in a rural area reduces direct exposure to populated centers. Typical gas plants of this scale use combined cycle or open cycle gas turbines. Proximity to the alumina refinery means the plant supports an energy-intensive industrial process with associated environmental considerations.
Frequently asked questions
The Wagerup Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery power plant is located in Western Australia, near the town of Wagerup, approximately 130 km south of Perth.
The Wagerup facility is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 98 MW, primarily used to supply electricity to the adjacent alumina refinery.
The Wagerup power plant is operated by Alcoa of Australia Ltd, a subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation, which also operates the bauxite mine and alumina refinery.
Gas power plants in Australia are subject to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme, state-based environmental protection laws, and emissions standards for NOx, SOx, and particulates. The Wagerup plant must comply with Western Australia's Environmental Protection Act.
With a capacity of 98 MW, the Wagerup plant is a medium-sized gas power plant in Australia. It is smaller than major grid-connected plants but typical for industrial cogeneration facilities that supply on-site power.