On Friday, the Hastings Generation Project was officially opened at the site of the existing Long Island Point Plant in the electorate of Flinders.
Prior to this project, Long Island Point had no outlet for ethane when their customers could not accept it. This necessitated the burning-off – or flaring – of the ethane, which was visible across Hastings.
Now, rather than being flared, this by-product of the natural gas produced at the Long Island Point Plant will generate enough energy to power half the households on the Mornington Peninsula.
The three Solar Titan 130 gas-fired turbine generators will rely on ethane to bring power to the grid, producing 50 per cent less CO2 emissions than coal generation in Victoria.
The Long Island Point Plant has operated since 1970, playing a crucial role in the Gippsland Basin Production System, which provides 70% of southeastern domestic gas supply.
Long Island Point also currently produces Liquid Petroleum Gas, including the propane used to fuel BBQs in use all across the Peninsula during the summer.
Zoe McKenzie, Federal Member for Flinders, commented that, “the Long Island Point Plant contributes immensely to our local community, employing over 150 team members, and supporting a raft of community organisations through grants and partnerships.”
“Esso Australia’s investment will ensure the reliable supply of natural gas to Victoria households, at a time when under the Federal Labor Government, the price of gas has gone up 33.8 per cent.”
Geoff Humphreys, Production Manager for Esso Australia, in attendance at the project opening, commented that “the investment in the Hastings Generation Project is critical, not only to reduce flaring but to ensure reliable supply of natural gas to Victoria.”
“Gas will continue to play a significant role in power generation to support the energy transition, and we have been able to step up to meet Australia’s energy needs over the years because we have continued to invest in bringing new gas supplies online.”
Ends.
