06/05/2005 - Australian
company Geodynamics Power Systems has received
funding of up to $2.076 million to help develop
new clean energy technology at the WMC Resources'
Mt Keith nickel mine site in central Western
Australia, Minister for the Environment and
Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
Senator Campbell said the 13MW high-efficiency
plant would utilise an innovative technology
(Kalina Cycle) to recover the heat emitted
in waste exhaust from the mine's existing
gas turbine and use it to generate electricity.
The Kalina cycle technology uses a mixture
of ammonia and water in its heat exchange
equipment that recovers heat at a rate that
is six to 10 per cent more efficient than
a traditional steam turbine that uses water.
"The innovative Kalina Cycle technology
at the heart of the Geodynamics power project
is new to Australia," Senator Campbell
said.
"The plant will reduce the amount of
diesel burnt to generate electricity, which
in turn is projected to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions at the site by up to 250,000
tonnes during 2008 and 2012.
"The Geodynamics power project is a
cost-effective investment by the Australian
Government in a project that reduces greenhouse
gas emissions, but the project would not have
occurred without Commonwealth funding.
"The Government's national climate change
strategy highlights the roles partnerships
play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"I am pleased to be able to provide
Government support for this worthwhile project,"
Senator Campbell said.
The funding has been provided under the Greenhouse
Gas Abatement Programme, which supports activities
that are likely to result in substantial greenhouse
gas emissions reductions, particularly in
the 2008-2012 Kyoto target period.
Geodynamics Power Systems' application for
funding was submitted through the Business
Council for Sustainable Energy and was assessed
against programme funding criteria by the
Australian Greenhouse Office and independent
technical and financial experts.
