June 16, 2008
FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the announcement of a third advanced coal project that is expected to create an extra 100 jobs in the Latrobe Valley.
The Commonwealth and Victorian governments have granted $25 million towards the development of a $119 million demonstration plant at Loy Yang A Power Station.
Mr Chester said this project would complement similar projects previously announced as part of the jointly-funded Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program (ALDP). “This latest announcement is another show of confidence in the Latrobe Valley coal and electricity industry, which is major employer in Gippsland and a reliable source of energy,” said Mr Chester.
“Investment in new technologies will help secure a long term future for the industry and protect the jobs we already have.”
The latest project will initially produce briquettes to fuel a power station in Shanghai, but if successful could evolve into a commercial-scale plant to supply Latrobe Valley generators.
The Federal and State Governments have previously announced $30 million for a demonstration plant producing fertiliser, oil and high-value coal used in steelmaking, and $20 million for a pilot plant producing upgraded coal products for local or export markets.