The demand from expanding industry and the proximity to low cost coal were the major reasons for locating a large power station in the Gladstone area.

[3] A 275 kV transmission line connecting the power station to South East Queensland was to be built as well.

The Federal Government recognised the national importance of the power station, agreeing to contribute up to $80 million.

It is currently owned by a group, including the British-Australian Rio Tinto Aluminium, the US company NRG Energy, which manages the plant, and some Japanese partners.

[4] Carbon Monitoring for Action estimates this power station emits 11.80 million tonnes of greenhouse gases each year as a result of burning coal.