Barron
Gorge Hydro, located 20 kilometres north west of
Cairns in Far North
Queensland and commissioned in 1963, generates clean, green electricity
which is sold into the National Electricity Market.
In 2003, Stanwell Corporation Limited developed a $29 million strategic plan, to
extend the life of Barron
Gorge Hydro to 2055.
Phase One of this plan was completed in 2006 and included a mid-life
refit, including upgrading the majority of the originally installed electrical
plant. This was the largest project undertaken at the power station since its
original construction.
Phase Two included the refurbishment of both of the hydros’ generators.
Unit 1 generator rewind was completed in 2010 and Unit 2 work completed
in 2011.
This refurbishment project improved the reliability and efficiency of the
generating units and increased the maximum electrical output capacity of
Barron
Gorge Hydro by 10 per cent.
Water supply
Barron
Gorge Hydro sources water from the Barron River to produce
electricity before releasing the water back into the river.
Kuranda Weir acts as
a regulating
pool for the hydro. If required, additional water can be obtained
from Tinaroo
Dam on the
Atherton Tablelands.
Environment
Hydro-electric generation—using the energy of moving water to drive
the generators—is one of the cleanest and most efficient methods of
producing electricity.
Barron
Gorge Hydro does not emit any greenhouse gasses and is one of only
a few power generation facilities in Queensland able to supply green power.
It operates within a certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
and is an accredited green generator.