Australia Govt.: Australian Government advancing a gas-fired recovery

The Australian Government has awarded $30 million to support early works on Australian Industrial Power’s (AIP) Port Kembla gas-fired power station as it progresses to Final Investment Decision.

AEMO is forecasting that up to 19,000 MW of dispatchable capacity is required across the National Electricity Market (NEM) to support record growth of renewables.

The government will continue to work with AIP to assess the project through the Underwriting New Generation Investments (UNGI) program.

Progressing the AIP gas power station will also support development of the Port Kembla import terminal, a key source for imported gas to increase supply.

Construction of the terminal and power station will create around 850 direct jobs, and many more indirect jobs.

‘This is what the Government’s gas-fired recovery is about – helping Australia bounce back strongly from the COVID-19 recession,’ said the Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction.

‘New gas supply and generation will help re-establish a strong economy and make energy more affordable for families and businesses, while complementing the world-leading levels of renewables in Australia.’