We got the power

AUSTRALIAS most energy efficient gas fired power station will be built at Tallawarra.

The $350 million power station, to be built by TRUenergy will help secure future power supplies to the NSW energy market.

Providing an additional 400 megawatts of electrical capacity the new power station will supply electricity during periods of peak demand. It will provide enough energy for 200 000 homes.

When operational it will produce 50% less greenhouse gas emissions than other conventional power stations.

NSW is Australias leading energy market with demand for energy in peak times growing rapidly at nearly 3% a year.

Managing Director of TRUenergy Richard McIndoe said the power station would be completed by summer 2008/2009.? Construction has already begun on the power station.

TRUenergy purchased the Tallawarra site in April 2003 following the decommissioning of the original coal fired Tallawarra power station in the mid 1990s.

NSW Premier Morris Iemma said the new power station would create 450 jobs during the construction phase and up to 30 full time jobs when completed.

This is a big investment to secure our future energy supplies and a big vote of confidence in NSW and the Illawarra, Mr Iemma said.

This is the first of two new gas fired electricity plants to help secure the states energy supplies. The two new plants were announced last December making it only seven months between the announcement and construction if the first station.

Minister for Energy Joe Tripodi welcomed news of the construction contract.

It means our electricity supply will be boosted in an environmentally friendly way and it means local jobs for local families, Mr Tripodi said.