The Western Australian Government has announced that work is set to commence on the new power plant that will supply renewable energy to the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder – and potentially the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array project.

 

The new hybrid diesel/solar photovoltaic power plant will cater for the strict radio-quiet conditions required for sensitive astronomy activities at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO). 

 

“Horizon Power will not only build a power plant  to deliver a reliable power source but will also deliver an innovative design to shield radio emissions from interfering with astronomy activities. It will also be responsible for providing a reliable power source to Australia and New Zealand’s radio astronomy precursor project ASKAP,” State Minister for Science and Innovation John Day said.

 

“If our bid to host the SKA is successful, the plant will also support early SKA operations and, with a peak load of 1.1 megawatts, the power plant has been designed to produce zero radio emissions - a prerequisite for radio astronomy.” 

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said radio astronomy activities would benefit communities in the Mid-West through infrastructure and capacity development and profile the region’s capabilities of working with leading-edge scientific projects.

 

“The State Government has contributed $15.5million, of which $10million is provided through the Royalties for Regions Mid West Investment Plan, towards the construction of the new power plant,” Mr Grylls said.