Large parts of the gasification and F-T processes are exothermic. The Project will capture this heat to generate electricity and export it to the national grid using some of the most efficient processes available.
There are two component types to the power generation island; gas turbines powered by syngas and steam turbines capturing the energy from otherwise waste heat. This is similar to conventional combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology.
The FFS will ensure that the plant is designed to capture as much waste heat as possible ensuring efficient operation and a low cost of electricity production.
The current base case scenario envisages 1140 MW produced from these two processes of which approximately half is consumed on site leaving about 560MW available for export to the National Grid.
The FFS will also consider trade off analyses whereby syngas may be diverted to produce additional electricity when power demand in South Australia peaks. These times coincide with the highest electricity prices which would be earned by the plant, however in order to export additional power to meet this demand, additional peak generation capacity will be required and this can only be achieved at the cost of lost FT products.
South Australia Peak electricity demand/price illustration and ESIPC/ESCOSA 2009 chart
Grid Access and Transmission
Electricity Market access and transmission links
Studies completed for Altona by Australian power market consultants McLennan Magasanik Associates (MMA) have indicated that SA has an urgent and increasing need for more base load and peaking power. This view has been confirmed by other publicly available studies - AEMO and ESCOSA. Modelling Indicates that Altona’s predicted cost structure will ensure all of its available power will be sold.
This will require a connection to the grid, with preliminary engineering studies suggesting this will most likely require a dual circuit 275 Kv transmission line.
The nearest point of the SA grid is some 350km to the south at Roxby Downs/Olympic Dam. Preliminary discussions have been held with the regional high voltage transmission companies regarding the construction of this connection.
The FFS will determine the exact configuration of the Altona plant and the optimal electricity generation capacity which will in turn allow the design and costing of grid connection.
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