The new pipeline will deliver gas to the company’s Solomon power station which services Fortescue Metals Group’s mining operations at the Solomon Hub.
The 270km, 16-inch natural gas pipeline is built from the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline to TransAlta’s 125MW dual-fuel power station at Fortescue’s Solomon Hub.
According to TransAlta, the Solomon power station will now operate on natural gas improving reliability and efficiency.
TransAlta president and CEO Dawn Farrell said: "The Fortescue River Gas Pipeline is the longest gas pipeline built in Western Australia in the past ten years and we are excited about future growth possibilities.
"The completion of the pipeline provides an opportunity for future expansion in the Pilbara region and is consistent with TransAlta’s strategy of growing in its core regions and diversifying its cash flows."
TransAlta and DDG have formed a Fortescue River Gas Pipeline joint venture (JV) in January 2014, to build, own and operate the new natural gas pipeline. TransAlta holds a 43% stake in it.
Fortescue will be responsible for operating the new pipeline to supply gas for the Solomon gas-fired facilities under a 20-year agreement.
TransAlta has six facilities totaling 425MW of net generating capacity and the 150MW South Hedland power station currently under construction.
