Dam water could power 250 homes

News Mail
Thursday 1/5/2008 Page: 5

IT may only be called a mini hydro power station, but the new mechanism attached to Paradise Dam, announced yesterday by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, has the potential to create enough energy to power 250 homes. The announcement of the station was made in parliament yesterday, after SunWater finished commissioning the device. "The dam now has the capacity to produce clean, green energy through its 2.79 megawatt hydro power station," Ms Bligh said.

"The mini hydro station is a significant value-adding mechanism that takes advantage of water being release for downstream irrigation, urban and industrial demand and for environmental flows." SunWater acting chief executive officer Peter Boettcher said the turbine had been installed 12 months ago, but had not been able to be commissioned due to the level of water in the dam.

For the turbine to operate, the dam must be at 21% capacity. When water is released out of the dam, it now passes through the turbine to create electricity, which is then sold to Ergon Energy. For the generator to operate, a minimum of 216 megalitres needs to be released. Mr Boettcher said SunWater planned for the installation of the mini hydro power station when the dam was first being designed.

"We look to see if there are any opportunities to get green credits for projects," Mr Boettcher said. "Now it is commissioned, which means it has gone through its first phase, and it is working well." Ms Bligh said Paradise Dam was a water asset to be proud of, given its green credentials. "I commend SunWater for taking the initiative and making the best possible use of Paradise Dam's water releases and in the process adding further value to this strategic water infrastructure asset." she said.