A natural gas plant shut down by an explosion that wiped out nearly a third of the gas supply to Australia's west coast two months ago resumed partial operations Wednesday, the plant operator said.
U.S.-based Apache Energy managing director Tim Wall said production at its remote Varanus Island plant began Wednesday at 15 percent of its full production rate of 300 million cubic feet (8.5 million cubic meters) per day.
The plant was expected to ramp up to full production by December, he said,
Western Australia state Premier Alan Carpenter, who flew to the island to inspect the partial return of the gas flow, said the worst of his state's energy crisis has passed.
"This is a significant relief for gas users as well as the economy of Western Australia," Carpenter told reporters.
"The worst of the situation is clearly over; we still have a long way to go," he added.
Western Australia, a major exporter of iron ore and natural gas, lost 30 percent of its gas supplies on June 3 when a pipeline exploded. No one was injured.
Gas generates 60 percent of the state's electricity and the state has faced an energy shortfall during the outage.
Mining companies were forced to temporarily close some operations and lay off staff. Many businesses turned to expensive diesel as an alternative, and residents were asked to minimize their energy use.
Last month, the state Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the explosion had cost the state's economy 2.4 billion Australian dollars (US$2.2 billion), and may eventually cost it up to A$6.7 billion (US$6.3 billion).
