Further details have been revealed about a new $1 billion energy and chemical project in Central Queensland.
Terms of reference have been released for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) about Australian Future Energy’s Energy and Ammonia Project in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA), 15km northwest of Gladstone.
The project involves converting 1.5 million tonnes of coal into up to an estimated 230,000 tonnes of ammonia and 12 petajoules of synthetic natural gas each year. Waste gas and heat created through the process will be used to produce electrical power required for plant operation. Surplus power will be exported to the grid when available.
The project will require a coal supply system, coal gasification plant, gas processing plant, ammonia processing plant, combined cycle gas power generation plant, and other utilities and ancillary infrastructure.
“The terms of reference will ensure potential impacts on the natural, social and economic environment are appropriately considered,” State Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said in a public statement.
“Once the draft EIS is completed to the satisfaction of Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General, the community will then be invited to comment and have their say on the project.”
If approved the project could create up to 800 jobs for the region throughout the two-year construction phase plus an additional 200 direct jobs for the project’s 30-year lifespan.
“AFE’s project will deliver a significant boost to the Gladstone economy, creating 800 jobs during the period and up to ,” Mr Butcher said.
The State Government claims the project being located within the Gladstone SDA will offer many benefits for regional suppliers and contractors.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2020 and first production is planned for mid-2022.
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