THE Mortlake Gas Fired Power Station has plans to increase its output by nearly 50 per cent under a bold plan for upgrades worth $250 million.
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Origin Energy plans to build four new open cycle gas turbines at the peaking gas plant each with capacity to generate 50 to 70 megawatts.
The energy company had flagged a second stage of expansion after commissioning the Mortlake plant in 2012, but has not revealed further details until now.
The expansion would start this year and continue until summer 2022 to 2023, with construction to peak at 110 workers during March to October next year.
But the works are still subject to Moyne Shire Council approval, with councillors set to vote on a development and environmental plan on Tuesday.
Moyne mayor Daniel Meade said the council had been in ongoing conversation with Origin about the project.
"In general terms council supports projects that create economic development in our shire that are in line with our policy positions," he said.
The proposed expansion will substantially increase electricity generation to meet demand across Victoria, adapt to changing infrastructure needs, and help the plant to power up and down to balance intermittent renewable energy sources, according to council documents.
An additional plant would be built adjacent to and south of the current plant on an existing hard stand area with the tip of an exhaust stack on a new structure not exceeding 35 metres high.
An Origin Energy spokesman told The Standard the company had consulted with neighbours of the plant and would keep them informed of the plans.
"If progressed, this plan will increase the station's output by almost 50 per cent, delivering greater supply to Victoria's electricity grid and keeping downward pressure on prices," he said.
The company wants the new infrastructure to be operational for the 2022 to 2023 summer period.
Moyne Shire has also received a draft traffic management plan, with several over-sized deliveries required, including one 66/500 kilovolt transformer unit. The traffic plan says all heavy vehicles will use the eastern Connewarren Lane.
The project is expected to increase Origin's rate payments to the council by a minimum of about $312,400 a year.
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