A CG concept showing a view of the proposed Braemar Energy Hub site on completion

The project

We've begun development of the Cataby Power Station.

An image of a site worker wearing hi-vis with a hard hat and sunglasses. He is stranding on an elevated platform with a blue sky in the background.

What is the project's status?

We’re proposing to build the power station on Mimegarra Road in Cataby, about 150km drive north of Perth in the Shire of Dandaragan.  
We’re in the early development stage, which involves undertaking environmental and planning studies to investigate the potential impacts relating to the proposed project.

How will the site work? 

The power station will be powered by natural gas. It will be available around the clock and ready to generate when needed.

This flexibility will make it ideal to cover short-term demand spikes and provide a reliable and steady supply of electricity that can quickly adjust to grid requirements.

Why is gas power important? 

New gas generation will be critical as coal-fired generation retires. Gas power stations can start within minutes and operate at a range of outputs to match demand. This makes them well suited to complement variable renewables such as wind and solar, and to provide longer-duration supply than batteries.

The proposed power station will bridge gaps in renewables production, ensuring a reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses.

Community and benefit sharing

The project will deliver long-term benefits for both Western Australia’s energy system and the local community. 

Jobs   

A variety of skills and trades, including civil and earthworks contractors, electricians, mechanical fitters and more will be required during construction.  

Economic benefits   

Industries like accommodation, food and beverage, and community services will benefit from increased activity in the area during construction.  

 Operations and maintenance   

Once operational, the power station will require a small maintenance team. Additional contractors will be needed for routine maintenance. 

Community benefit sharing   

A community benefit sharing program will be developed in consultation with the community. This will provide support for local initiatives and activities. 

arrow_forward
Get in touch with us for more details

How was this site selected?

We believe the proposed site is suitable because it:

  • is not located within environmentally sensitive areas
  • is situated away from residential areas
  • has established road access
  • is located close to natural gas supply and transmission infrastructure
arrow_forward
For further information, check out our FAQs

Project map

Find out more about the proposed project area (artists' impression subject to change) by selecting the numbers on desktop or tablet, or using the list below on mobile.

Back
Control room

Control room

Building where substation equipment is controlled and monitored.

Control room
Back
Gas reciprocating engines

Gas reciprocating engines

Power-generating engines.

Gas reciprocating engines
Back
Gas pressure reduction station

Gas pressure reduction station

The gas will enter the facility here from a pipeline. This equipment reduces incoming natural gas pressure to levels suitable for use by power station equipment.

Gas pressure reduction station
Back
Mimegarra Rd emergency access

Mimegarra Rd emergency access

Mimegarra Rd emergency access
Back
Admin building & control room

Admin building & control room

A building where plant operations are monitored and controlled, ensuring safe operation of the power station.

Admin building & control room
Back
Switchyard control room

Switchyard control room

Control centre for monitoring and operating the substation equipment.

Switchyard control room
Back
Gas turbine generator

Gas turbine generator

Power generating engine.

Gas turbine generator
Back
Demineralised water tank

Demineralised water tank

Stores the processed water from the water treatment plant. Ready to use for operations and cooling in the gas turbine and reciprocating engines.

Demineralised water tank
Back
Existing transmission lines

Existing transmission lines

Existing transmission lines
Back
Substation

Substation

Energy produced by the power station is sent here and the equipment converts the voltage before sending the power into the grid.

Substation
Back
Compressed air plant

Compressed air plant

Produces compressed air used for the purposes of maintenance and routine operational activities.

Compressed air plant
Back
Switch room

Switch room

Contains electrical switchgear used to control, protect and isolate different electrical circuits.

Switch room
Back
Water treatment plant

Water treatment plant

Processes water to remove impurities and produce water suitable for use in the gas engines.

Water treatment plant
Back
Evaporation ponds

Evaporation ponds

The gas engines use water to operate and/or for cooling; after the water is used in the equipment, it is sent to the evaporation ponds.

The primary purpose of the pond is to evaporate the wastewater from the plant.

Evaporation ponds help manage liquid waste from the facility and reduce environmental discharge.

Evaporation ponds
Back
Switch room

Switch room

Contains electrical switchgear used to control, protect and isolate different electrical circuits.

Switch room
Back
Fire water retention pond

Fire water retention pond

A containment pond designed to capture runoff from firefighting activities. It prevents contaminated water from entering the environment and allows controlled disposal or treatment.

Fire water retention pond
Back
Raw water tank

Raw water tank

Stores untreated water before it enters the water treatment plant.

Raw water tank
Back
Gas reciprocating engines

Gas reciprocating engines

Power-generating engines.

Gas reciprocating engines
Back
Switch room

Switch room

Contains electrical switchgear used to control, protect and isolate different electrical circuits.

Switch room
Back
Workshop and warehouse

Workshop and warehouse

A building for maintenance, repairs, and storage of spare parts and equipment.

Workshop and warehouse
Back
Mimegarra Rd primary access

Mimegarra Rd primary access

Mimegarra Rd primary access
Back
Switch room

Switch room

Contains electrical switchgear used to control, protect and isolate different electrical circuits.

Switch room
Back
Fire water tank

Fire water tank

Dedicated storage of water for firefighting. It ensures immediate and sufficient supply of water in case of emergencies.

Fire water tank
Back
Evaporation ponds

Evaporation ponds

The gas engines use water to operate and/or for cooling; after the water is used in the equipment, it is sent to the evaporation ponds.

The primary purpose of the pond is to evaporate the wastewater from the plant.

Evaporation ponds help manage liquid waste from the facility and reduce environmental discharge.

Evaporation ponds

Alinta Energy acknowledges the Yued people of the land on which the project is being developed. We acknowledge their continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.