Located in Far North Queensland, at the northernmost end of the state's high voltage electricity grid, Barron Gorge Hydro is a clean, green electricity generator. It also provides regional security of electricity supply by controlling voltage levels on the transmission system.
In September 2006, a $28 million refurbishment of the Barron Gorge Hydro was completed, extending the power station's life for another 40 years and ensuring Far North Queensland continues to benefit from secure, reliable, environmentally responsible energy.
Visit the Barron Gorge Hydro Visitors Centre
Barron Gorge Hydro at a glance
| Location |
On the Barron River, 20 kilometres north-west of the city of Cairns in Far North Queensland. The station is situated within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area |
| Generating capacity |
60 megawatts |
| Number of generating units |
Two |
| Equivalent homes powered annually |
36,000 |
| Annual greenhouse gas savings annually |
260,000 tonnes |
| Water supply |
Water flow from Kuranda Weir on the Barron River |
| Energy production |
Produced at 11,000 volts (11kV), stepped up to 132,000 volts (132kV) by transformers in the power station switchyard |
| Grid entry point |
Power enters the Queensland high voltage electricity grid at Barron Gorge switchyard |
| Comissioned |
1963 |
| Environmental accreditation |
- Accredited under the Federal Government's Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000
- Accredited by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) as a Green Power Generator
- Environmental Management System complies with ISO14001
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Barron Gorge Hydro fact sheet