Kestrel Coal Resources is developing a coal mine waste gas-to-electricity project in central Queensland. The project is designed to reduce mining emissions by more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The 30-megawatt power station will be built at the Kestrel mine, north of Emerald, and will generate enough electricity to power more than 40,000 homes.
The project in Crinum will expand the underground mine’s drainage system to capture more fugitive gas, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
Kestrel Coal Resources is the second partner in the Queensland Government’s $520 million Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) program, an initiative to bring forward private sector investment to fast-track emissions reduction in Queensland’s highest emitting facilities.
The LEIP investment from the State Government will fast-track Kestrel’s decarbonisation activities.
The project is expected to create about 160 additional jobs on top of the existing, 700 mine workforce, ahead of full operations in 2026.
Shane Hansen, Kestrel Coal Resources Chief Executive Officer, said Kestrel has focused on targeting substantive and innovative emissions reduction projects.
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“This funding is a key enabler of our decarbonisation strategy, and will help support the future of our workforce as we continue to sustainably supply the steelmaking industry.”
Cameron Dick, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, said Queensland’s metallurgical coal mining industry helps forge the steel that is necessary to build renewable technologies and achieve a net zero transformation.
“The LEIP program is accelerating opportunities to drive down emissions, while supporting Queensland’s resources industry,” he said.
“Kestrel’s project will mitigate emissions being released into the atmosphere using proven abatement technologies.
“Importantly, we’re protecting jobs in regional Queensland and supporting an industry that is crucial to our renewable energy future.”