Generators

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (14:29): Supplementary for the same minister: how much diesel will be purchased for the operation of the diesel generators during each of the next two summers, and what is the budget for the diesel?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy) (14:30): There are two questions there: one is how much diesel will we purchase and what is the budget for it? I said that I will check the budget for you and get back to the house. How much diesel is a requirement for APR, who will be managing the operation of the generators? I will check with them to see what storage is at the site. I understand that they have about four hours of operating storage on site, which can be refilled as required.

Obviously, we are hoping that the market can provide sufficient thermal energy not to require the generators to operate during the summer period. If they do, they don't operate during the peaks, which could mean only half-hour, one-hour or two-hour periods. I will check and, when I get that answer, I will get back to the house.