Coal is generally transported by conveyor lines from local mines to the power stations. Limited quantities of coal are delivered by road transport. A new rail unloading facility completed in 2000 provides an additional transport option.
Coal arrives at the power station coal handling area.
Coal is fed by conveyor into the stations' mills. The milling process pulverises the coal into a fine consistency, similar in texture to talcum powder. The pulverised coal is blown into the boiler in a stream of pre-heated air. Our picture shows a former open-cut mine that is being filled with liquified coal ash in preparation for 'capping' and revegetation. An update on this project can be found in our Environment section .