APA Group (ASX:APA) and AGL Energy (ASX:AGL) joint project owners of the Diamantina Power Station (DPS), are proud to announce that the Diamantina and Leichhardt Power Station facilities in Mount Isa will be officially opened on site by Mount Isa Mayor, The Hon. Cr Tony McGrady AM, on Wednesday 3 December.

The Diamantina Power Station (DPS) is a modern high efficiency power station comprising 242 megawatt power generation from combined cycle gas turbines, with 60 megawatt back up power supply available from the Leichhardt Power Station open cycle facility.

AGL Energy supplies the natural gas fuel source for DPS which is delivered to site by APA Group’s Carpentaria Gas Pipeline. Combining the expertise and skills of two of Australia’s leading energy businesses, has delivered a total energy solution to meet the current and future needs of North West Queensland’s productive mining region. DPS represents a cleaner source of power generation for Mount Isa with lower emissions and higher plant efficiencies than traditional coal fired power plants.

“On behalf of the DPS Board and project owners AGL and APA, we’re immensely proud of what’s been accomplished by working together especially with our customers and the Mount Isa community.” said Mike Moraza, DPS Chairman.

“From the inception of project concept in 2009 following early discussions with potential customers, our objective was to provide the region with a reliable and flexible power supply that can grow and adapt as energy needs are required in the region. I’d like to thank our foundation customers Glencore Mount Isa Mines and Ergon Energy for their early support of the project idea and long term commitment to DPS for their power needs.”

DPS provides the Mount Isa community with the benefit of a substantial new business that employs people living locally. With the joint development of DPS, the operations of APA and AGL are now further invested in the region, and importantly, no government or local subsidies were required to support the project.

At the peak of project construction, the site averaged up to 350 people per day, with around 5,000 people in total passing through the entrance turnstile. Almost two million hours of work have been undertaken, and importantly, the site has maintained an enviable safety record. DPS became fully operational in October 2014.

“To each and every contractor and supplier large and small, we sincerely appreciate your hard work and commitment to the project. Most importantly, I wish to thank the City of Mount Isa for welcoming DPS into your community. We look forward to a long and progressive partnership with you, ” Mr Moraza said.

AGL Energy and APA Group together Energising North West Queensland

The Diamantina Power Station (DPS) is a joint development between AGL Energy (AGL) and APA Group (APA) under the entity Diamantina Power Station Pty Ltd (DPS Co). DPS is a 242 MW modern low-emission, high efficiency natural gas-fired power station with an additional 60 MW of gas-fired open capacity available from the adjacent Leichhardt Power Station. Located at Mount Isa Queensland, DPS is delivering competitive and reliable energy to existing and new energy users in North West Queensland with scope for further expansion as energy demands increase in the region. DPS commenced full commercial operations in October 2014.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and largest ASX listed owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation in the country. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers.