Stanwell Power station
STANWELL POWER STATION (SPS)
Energy Type Thermal Coal-Fired
Maximum output 1460 MW
Commissioned 1993-1996
Overview
Stanwell Power Station is located 22 km west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland. It is recognised as one of the most efficient and reliable coal-fired generators in Australia, and supplies around 15% of Queensland’s electricity needs. The station marked its 30th year of operation in 2023.
Download the latest Stanwell Power Station fact sheet hereStanwell recognises and respects the Traditional Owners of the land on which the power station is built, the Darumbal people. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as we work together towards a bright future.
Learn more about the Darumbal people
Technical details
Stanwell Power Station occupies a 1,600-hectare site, and is one of Australia’s most efficient and automated subcritical coal-fired power stations. High performance is achieved through the integration of innovative technologies and streamlined organisational systems.
Fuel and water supply
Coal is primarily sourced from the Curragh Mine in Central Queensland, operated by Coronado, with supplementary supply from other Queensland producers as required.
Water is drawn from the Fitzroy River under an annual allocation of approximately 24,000 megalitres, managed through Sunwater’s Eden Bann Weir scheme.
Emissions control
Environmental controls at the station include low nitrogen oxide (NOx) burners, electrostatic precipitators and a highly efficient operating regime.
Particulate emissions, such as ash and dust, are managed within regulated limits using electrostatic precipitators. In 2019, a continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) was installed to enhance emissions oversight.
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Stanwell Power Station undertakes planned overhauls and ongoing maintenance to ensure it continues delivering reliable and affordable electricity for Queensland.
Overhauls are required under statutory obligations and must be completed within defined timeframes. In addition, unplanned maintenance may occur in response to system checks or performance indicators.
Upcoming maintenance activities for Stanwell Power Station are as follows:
No planned maintenance activities to note
Exact availability of all units is notified to the Australian Electricity Market Operater (AEMO) in accordance with the National Electricity Rules. Visit www.aemo.com.au for details.
Meet Angie Zahra
GENERAL MANAGER: CENTRAL GENERATION
Angie Zahra’s career in Queensland’s energy sector spans more than three decades. She began in 1992 as a Chemical Technician during the final construction phase of Stanwell Power Station’s Unit 1.
Since then, Angie has amassed 32 years of operational and leadership experience at Stanwell. Today, she leads a team of 200 people as General Manager of Central Generation.
A long-standing member of the Central Queensland community, Angie is committed to ensuring Stanwell Power Station continues to deliver secure, reliable energy while contributing lasting value to the region.
Meet Emily Raguse
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER: CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Emily Raguse has been with Stanwell since 2014, and leads stakeholder engagement across Central Queensland. She works alongside local communities and key stakeholders to ensure strong relationships, open communication and shared outcomes.
Contact Emily and the team via email:
Community and stakeholder engagement for Central Queensland
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