Ultimo Power House

Constructed between 1897 and 1899 by the Department of Public Works for Sydney's tramway network, this was the first large power station in New South Wales.

Initially it comprised four reciprocating steam engines driving 850 kW direct current generators. Alternating current generators operating at 25 cycles were added from 1902 and turboalternators from 1905.

The state’s first pulverized coal fired boilers were commissioned here in 1923. By 1942 the station’s capacity had grown to 79.5 megawatts.

It was decommissioned in 1963. The building is now the home of the Powerhouse Museum.

The Power House Museum.

The Engineers Australia plaque at The Powerhouse Museum.

The Royal Austraian Historical Society's plaque and the Engineers Australia marker at The Powerhouse Museum.

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Ultimo Power House location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	28 November 1994
Heritage Significance	This was the first large power station in New South Wales.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Available here.
Interpretation Panel	None Installed.