CS Energy’s Callide Power Station is ready for summer following the recent completion of a $60 million overhaul program that has also provided an economic boost to the Biloela region.
The overhaul of two of Callide’s four generating units ran from June to November and brought almost 200 contractors to Biloela under strict hygiene and safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Callide Power Station General Manager Brett Smith said the overhaul was longer than usual to accommodate COVID-safe measures like social distancing.
“While the extra workers were on site we ramped up our COVID-19 controls to help keep power station workers and communities safe,” Mr Smith said.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the overhaul for doing the right thing and following our COVID-19 controls while carrying out the essential maintenance and upgrades of power station equipment.”
CS Energy overhauled the B1 and C4 generating units at Callide Power Station to ensure they operate safely and reliably, particularly over the summer peak demand period. The major contractors for the overhauls were Downer and Intertek (B1) and Downer, Intertek and Solaft (C4).
While the overhaul was underway, the power station’s two remaining units continued to generate electricity.
Mr Smith said the overhaul created work for electricians, boilermakers, riggers, fitters, welders, scaffolders and crane drivers as well as interstate specialist weld testers and generator circuit breaker technicians.
“Accommodating, transporting and feeding the overhaul contractors provides a real boost to local service industries such as accommodation providers, caterers and transport companies,” Mr Smith said.
Callide Power Station is comprised of two power plants, Callide B and C, each with two generating units, and has a permanent workforce of 260 employees. CS Energy owns 100 percent of Callide B and owns Callide C in a 50/50 joint venture with InterGen.