 with a new gas-to-electricity power project that aims to reduce the mine’s emissions by more than 1mt of CO2 over eight years.){kind=link}
Kestrel Coal turns the mine’s waste gas into electricity
Kestrel Coal Resources is the second partner in the Queensland Government’s $520m Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) with a new gas-to-electricity power project that aims to reduce the mine’s emissions by more than 1mt of CO2 over eight years.
The project will expand Kestrel Coal’s underground mine’s drainage system to capture more fugitive gas, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
A 30MW power station will built on-site, north of Emerald, which will generate enough electricity to power more than 40,000 homes.
Kestrel Coal Resources chief executive Shane Hansen comments on this.
“Kestrel has focused our resources on targeting substantive and innovative emissions reduction projects.
“This funding is a key enabler of our decarbonisation strategy and we welcome the partnership with Queensland Treasury and the LEIP program.
“The project will help support the future of our workforce as we continue to sustainably supply the steelmaking industry.”
The project is expected to create about 160 additional jobs on top of the existing, 700-strong mine workforce, ahead of full operations in 2026.
Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Trade and Investment Minister Cameron Dick also comments on this.
“Queensland’s metallurgical coal mining industry helps forge the steel that is necessary to build renewable technologies and achieve a net zero transformation.
“The LEIP program is accelerating opportunities to drive down emissions, while supporting Queensland’s resources industry.
“Kestrel’s project will mitigate emissions being released into the atmosphere using proven abatement technologies.
“Importantly, we’re protecting jobs in regional Queensland and supporting an industry that is crucial to our renewable energy future”.
The LEIP program builds on the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and is an initiative to bring forward private sector investment to fast-track emissions reduction in Queensland’s highest emitting facilities.
Stanmore Resources was the first partner of the program with the capturing of future fugitive emissions from an open-cut coal mine and construction of a 20MW gas-fired power station.