Work begins on Kwinana gas turbines

The state government says the construction of two unique high efficiency gas turbines at the Kwinana power station will improve the reliability of electricity supplied to the state's south.

Energy Minister Peter Collier broke the ground during a ceremony to mark the start of construction of the turbines this morning.

The development is expected to add 200 mega watts of gas-fired generation to the state's power system.

Mr Collier said this would enhance the reliability of electricity supply within the South West Interconnected System, while improving the efficiency of the gas-fired generation plant.

"Their installation will also continue the process of transforming Verve Energy's ageing fleet," said Mr Collier.

"The additional generating capacity will help maintain a secure supply of electricity to meet projected demand for power in Western Australia."

The state-of-the-art turbines are expected to be operational for the 2011-12 summer.

They replace two thermal generating units, which were shut down and their boilers and stack demolished to make way for the new equipment.

They are at least one-third more efficient than the generators they replace and more efficient than the existing open-cycle gas turbines in Verve Energy's fleet.

The turbines will also allow Verve Energy to better use the existing base load plant and improve its plant reliability.