CS Energy has awarded Monadelphous (ASX: MND) a $380 million contract to carry out the Balance of Plant works for the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant near Chinchilla.
The gas-fired peaker will be located next to CS Energy’s Kogan Creek Power Station and provide fast-start capability during periods of high demand to support power system reliability.
Once operational, the 400 MW power plant will be capable of reaching full output within five minutes, delivering power to more than 150,000 Queensland homes during peak electricity demand periods.
The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap, which is investing in coal and gas generation to safeguard domestic energy security and support the energy needs of Queensland.
CS Energy’ s Acting Chief Executive Officer Tony Bellas said the appointment of the Balance of Plant contractor marked an important step forward for the project, which CS Energy is developing in a partnership with APA Group.
“Fast start gas peakers like Brigalow will play an important role in Queensland’s future because they can provide longer duration power, complementing shorter duration batteries and intermittent renewables.
“We are delighted to be working with Monadelphous, an experienced contractor in the Australian market with deep capability in energy and mining,” Mr Bellas said.
The Balance of Plant contract covers the main construction works for the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant, including civil and mechanical works, piping and installation of the gas turbines.
In other project progress, contractor CMC has completed early enabling works, including site access roads and an intersection upgrade, and will shortly begin the bulk earthworks to prepare the construction pad.
Once the bulk earthworks are completed, Monadelphous will commence the Balance of Plant works, which is targeted for Q3 2026.
The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant is forecast to be operational by early 2029 subject to final commissioning.
Background
- The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant will feature 12 GE Vernova aeroderivative turbines (LM2500XPRESS) with a capacity of 33 MW per unit.
- The power plant will be fuelled by natural gas from Senex Energy’s Atlas development near Wandoan in Central Queensland. The gas will be transported to site via a proposed 21-kilometre APA pipeline that would connect to the existing Roma to Brisbane Pipeline.
- CS Energy is finalising its partnership with APA Group for the project, which will see CS Energy operate and maintain the power plant and retain a 20 per cent ownership interest. APA’s 80 per cent share of the plant will be contracted to CS Energy under a 25-year hedge offtake agreement.