Mackay Gas Turbine facts for kids

The Mackay Gas Turbine was a special kind of power generator located in Mackay, Queensland. It was like a big engine that could make electricity. This power station was owned and run by a company called Stanwell Corporation Ltd. It wasn't used all the time, but only for short periods when people in Queensland needed a lot of electricity, like on very hot days when everyone was using air conditioners.

The Mackay Gas Turbine was very important because it could start up super fast. This quick start helped make sure that homes and businesses always had a steady and reliable supply of electricity, even when demand was high.

What Was the Mackay Gas Turbine?

The Mackay Gas Turbine was a power station that used a powerful engine, called a gas turbine, to create electricity. It was designed to be controlled from far away, meaning people didn't have to be right next to it to turn it on or off. This made it very flexible. Its main job was to provide extra power quickly whenever the regular power supply wasn't enough to meet everyone's needs.

Why Was It So Important?

Imagine a very hot summer day when lots of people turn on their air conditioners at the same time. This causes a huge demand for electricity. The Mackay Gas Turbine was perfect for these situations because it could start making power in a very short time. This ability to "kick in" quickly helped keep the lights on and ensured that the electricity grid remained stable. It was a backup power source that helped prevent blackouts.

How Did the Gas Turbine Work?

The heart of the Mackay Gas Turbine was a powerful engine made by Rolls-Royce, a famous company known for engines. This particular engine was called the Olympus 34 MW gas turbine. The "34 MW" means it could produce 34 million watts of electricity, which is enough to power many thousands of homes.

What Fuel Did It Use?

Unlike some power stations that use coal or natural gas, the Mackay Gas Turbine ran on a special type of fuel called Light Fuel Oil, or LFO. This is similar to diesel fuel. Using LFO allowed the turbine to start quickly and efficiently when needed.

What is Black Start Capability?

One of the coolest features of the Mackay Gas Turbine was its "black start" capability. This means it could start itself up and generate electricity even if there was a complete power outage in the entire area. Most power stations need electricity from the grid to start their own systems, but the Mackay Gas Turbine could start from scratch, which was very useful in emergencies.

History of the Mackay Gas Turbine

The Mackay Gas Turbine first started operating in 1975. This is when it was "commissioned," meaning it was officially ready to produce power. For many years, it served as an important part of Queensland's electricity supply.

When Was It Upgraded?

To keep it running smoothly and reliably, the power station went through a major upgrade in 2014. This process is called "refurbishment," where parts are repaired or replaced to make sure the equipment works well for many more years.

Why Was It Shut Down?

After many years of service, the Mackay Gas Turbine was finally "decommissioned," or permanently shut down, in April 2021. The main reason for this was that it wasn't being used very often in its last few years. New technologies and changes in how electricity is produced meant that this quick-start power station was no longer needed as frequently. Once it was decommissioned, it was taken off the National Electricity Market (NEM), which is the system that manages electricity supply and demand across eastern Australia.