From Black Rock To Bright Light
Vicki takes a tour of Mt Piper Power Station and learns about the history of power production in the Seven Valleys.
Mt Piper Power Station Energy Expo is an informative experience where you can learn about power generation with the interactive displays. The experience can be enjoyed by individuals, families and groups.
Mt Piper Power Station Tour And Energy Expo gives visitors a great opportunity to learn about the production of power.
Mt Piper is fueled with black coal sourced from the local area, with the boilers designed around the local coal to maximise efficiency and keep emissions within regulatory requirements. A significant amount of the ash produced is repurposed for use in the cement market.
Thompsons Creek Dam
Mt Piper has traditionally extracted water from Lake Lyell, and Thompson’s Creek Dam, which were built specifically to supply water to the power station.
Recently, the power station has received the majority of its cooling water requirements from reused mine water.
Did You Know ?
- Lithgow was home to the earliest country based Power Plant in NSW!
- Lithgow’s first Power Plant was commissioned in 1928, opposite the State Mine. Coal from the mine was conveyed directly to the Power Station, and in turn power was supplied to the mine.
- By 1929, power from here was being supplied to Hoskins Mine and the Small Arms Factory.
- By 1932 it supplied all of Lithgow Councils requirements.
- The Power Plant was known as “The Pride of The West”!
Photo of the State Mine and Lithgow Power Station taken by Bede Wilson in 1929. Bede worked at the State Mine as a skip repairer.
The Mt Piper Power Station Energy Expo is open 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm and includes a fantastic range of free-to-use facilities.
E.V Charging Station
Covered picnic facilities
Childrens playground
There are also guided tours available, of Mt Piper Power Station.
Bookings essential for this interesting experience.
Power to the People !
I enjoyed a great tour with Russell, a local gentleman who has worked at the Mt. Piper Power Station since its early days of making electricity.
Russell showed us the inner workings, accompanied by a great commentary.
Energy Australia is actively planning for a future with reduced carbon emissions, aiming for net-zero by 20250 and transitioning away from coal by 2040. This includes planning for the future of Mount Piper, and investing in renewable energy and storage projects.
Pyrmont Turbine – A touch of the past on display at the Energy Expo
This high pressure turbine is part of a turbo generator from Pyrmont Power Station. It was commissioned in 1952 and ceased operation in 1963.
Coal isn’t just a lump of black rock – it’s a powerful part of our history, energy, and industry!
🔥 Coal is ancient! Most coal formed around 300 million years ago – before dinosaurs even roamed the Earth.
🏭 It powered the Industrial Revolution, fuelling steam trains, factories, and entire cities.
🌍 Australia is one of the world’s largest coal exporters, and coal has played a big part in building regional towns and railways.
💎 Coal can turn into diamonds! With the right pressure and time (millions of years!), carbon in coal can become sparkling diamonds.
⚡ Coal still supplies a large amount of Australia’s electricity, especially through coal-fired power stations like Mt Piper.
👷♂️ Coal mining towns like Lithgow, Portland and Wallerawang have fascinating histories – and helped shape modern NSW.
🦕 Fossils are often found in coal seams, including ancient ferns and insects.
🔄 Coal can be recycled – fly ash from burned coal is used in making concrete, bricks, and even road bases.
🖤 The Romans wore coal! They carved a shiny black type of coal called jet into beads, brooches and amulets, believing it had magical and protective powers.
This diagram shows a great analogy of how a power station generates electricity from steam
One of the cooling towers at Mt Piper Power Station
These steel ball bearings start off MUCH bigger than this – and perfectly spherical. They rumble around with the coal, and end up small and dented, like these ones pictured.
The coal ends up completely pulverised !
At the Energy Expo, you can have a go at trying to generate electricity. Aiming for enough to power an electric blanket, we were happy to have successfully made enough power to boil the kettle for a cuppa !
Groups and schools can book in at different times by prior arrangement.
Teachers will be required to complete a risk management plan for school excursions. Please download the following:
http://Mt Piper – venue and safety information form
Tour booking information
For Mt Piper tour bookings call EnergyAustralia NSW on 02 6354 8111
Entry and tours are free.
Please note for Power Station tours, bookings are essential.
The power station includes picnic facilities, a children’s playground, and electric barbeques.
Opening times: Energy Expo open daily 9am – 4pm
Power Station Tours at 11am Monday to Friday, except on public holidays Closed Christmas Day
Mt Piper Power Station
350 Boulder Road
Portland NSW 2847
Phone: 02 6354 8111
What should I wear?
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes – no thongs or sandals
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Covered legs – no skirts or shorts
- Helmets (provided by EnergyAustralia)
- High-visibility vests (provided by EnergyAustralia)
- Safety glasses (provided by EnergyAustralia)
- Ear protection (provided by EnergyAustralia)
- No cameras or phones inside the Power Station please
Temperatures can be quite cold in winter, please keep this in mind when choosing what to wear !
Explore our coal heritage on your next visit – discover power stations, mining history, museums, and more across the Seven Valleys region.
