Construction Starts on Goldfields Gas Pipeline Compression Project in Western Australia

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Perth, Australia)--Construction has commenced on two new compressor stations along the Goldfields Gas Pipeline at Turee Creek and Newman Inlet, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The Goldfields Gas Pipeline spans more than two-thirds of Western Australia; at 1,380 kilometres, it is the second-longest pipeline in the state. It supplies natural gas to mines and power generators in the Pilbara and Goldfields region, and has a current capacity of 150 terajoules per day (or 142 million standard cubic feet per day).

Both of these construction projects are being undertaken to supply the increased gas needs at the Mount Newman Joint Venture. BHP Billiton will build, own and operate the combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station, which will deliver 190 megawatts.

When complete by the end of 2013, both grassroot compressor stations will house a new Solar Centaur compressor package and will increase the available output of gas to the Yarnima power station by 25%. The power station is not expected to be brought online until mid-2014, and it will replace the supply from the existing Newman Power Station.

Momentum Engineering (Perth, Western Australia) has been responsible for the design of the compressor stations, and United Construction (Sydney, New South Wales) is undertaking construction.

APA Managing Director Mick McCormack said that this pipeline expansion "reflects the boom in mining activity along our pipeline, and demonstrates APA's continued ability and willingness to support our customers' growing demands for natural gas, with our dedicated internal management and operational capabilities."

APA Group is Australia's largest natural gas infrastructure business, owning and/or operating $12 billion of energy assets. Its gas transmission pipelines span every state and territory in mainland Australia, delivering approximately half of the nation's gas usage.

APA has announced that, upon completion of their current expansion projects, it expects to begin planning work on a further expansion of its gas pipeline network in Western Australia.

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