- New 16-megawatt high efficiency gas power station now fully operational at Thunderbird
Mineral Sands Project in the West Kimberley - Pacific Energy built, own and operate the plant for Kimberley Mineral Sands
2-megawatt Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) reduces carbon emissions and allows for
future integration of renewables
Another key milestone was reached at the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project over the weekend,
with the power station successfully entering full operations following thorough testing and
commissioning.
Kimberley Mineral Sands has entered into a 15-year agreement with Pacific Energy to build, own and
operate the 16-megawatt high efficiency LNG power station, which supplies all of Thunderbird’s
energy requirements.
Kimberley Mineral Sands CEO Stuart Pether said the successful commissioning of the new power
station was another significant milestone in Thunderbird’s operational readiness program.
“As we flip the switch on the power station, we celebrate another exciting stage in the Thunderbird
journey.
“I congratulate Pacific Energy on completing the construction Lost Time Injury free and on time and
look forward to working with them at Thunderbird as we progress towards the Project becoming fully
operational,” he said.
Pacific Energy CEO Jamie Cullen echoed the sentiment, saying the company was pleased to develop
its partnership with Kimberley Mineral Sands to deliver an efficient and reliable power solution for its
remote operations.
“Delivering this project safely and on time is testament to the strong relationship Pacific Energy and
Kimberley Mineral Sands have fostered over the past 12 months,” he said.
“We’re really pleased to provide a cleaner solution than what traditional generation can offer, and to
support this important mineral sands project that will deliver long term benefits to the Kimberley.”
A two-megawatt Battery Energy Storage Solution, which forms part of the power station, reduces
carbon emissions and creates efficiencies by storing excess energy, and allows for future integration
of renewables.
Fact File
- 16-megawatt high efficiency LNG power station powered by eight gas turbine engines
- Construction completed Lost Time Injury (LTI) free
- 25 local businesses engaged during construction