Moranbah Power Station

ERF201434

Project Information:

Moranbah Power Station is a Coal Mine Waste Gas project located approximately 15km northwest of the town of Moranbah in Queensland's Bowen Basin. Registered in December 2024, the project centers on a 12.8 MW gas-fired power generation facility. The surrounding region is a major hub for coal mining operations, interspersed with cattle grazing on the broad, flat plains typical of the area.

The project operates under the Coal Mine Waste Gas methodology, specifically focusing on displacement electricity production. This involves capturing methane-rich gas, a byproduct of coal extraction that would otherwise be vented or flared, and using it to fuel electricity generators. By converting this waste gas into power, the project not only prevents direct methane emissions but also displaces electricity that would otherwise be drawn from the grid, which in Queensland is heavily reliant on coal-fired generation.

Environmentally, the Moranbah region is characterized by a semi-arid to sub-tropical climate with a distinct wet season in summer and dry winters. The landscape typically features cracking clay soils, known as Vertosols, which are common across the Brigalow Belt. These soils support native grasses and open woodland, making the land suitable for the extensive grazing that coexists with the mining industry.

An interesting facet of this project is its commercial structure; Carbon Logica acquired the existing facility from Sustainable Energy Infrastructure in late 2024 and subsequently leased it to QPM Energy. The station is integrated into the wider Moranbah Gas Project infrastructure, allowing it to utilize waste gas collected from nearby mines such as Anglo American's Moranbah North and Grosvenor operations.