Worsley Cogeneration: Gas-Fired Power Plant in Western Australia

Worsley Cogeneration is a natural gas-fired power station located near Collie, Western Australia, with a capacity of 106 megawatts. The plant is owned and operated by Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd, a joint venture between South32, Japan Alumina Associates, and Sojitz Alumina. It supplies both electricity and steam to the adjacent Worsley alumina refinery, making it an integrated cogeneration facility. The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which produces lower CO2 emissions compared to coal-fired generation. As a cogeneration facility, it achieves higher overall efficiency by capturing waste heat for industrial processes. The plant operates under Australia's National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme and Western Australia's environmental regulations, which set emission limits for NOx and other pollutants. Worsley Cogeneration plays a critical role in supporting the alumina refining operations, one of the largest in the world. By providing reliable on-site power and steam, it reduces the refinery's reliance on the grid and enhances energy security. The plant contributes to the local economy and aligns with Australia's transition towards cleaner gas-fired generation.

The plant is located in a rural area near Collie, Western Australia, a region historically associated with coal mining. Its use of natural gas results in lower greenhouse gas emissions per MWh compared to coal, but still contributes to Australia's carbon footprint. The facility's proximity to the alumina refinery means it supports a major industrial operation, with potential local air quality impacts managed through regulatory compliance. The region's Mediterranean climate and biodiversity are considerations for ongoing environmental management.