Eraring coal power station to remain in operation until April 2029

Australia’s largest coal-fired power plant, Eraring in Lake Macquarie, will continue operating until April 2029, Origin Energy has notified the New South Wales government, the ASX and the Australian Energy Market Operator (Aemo). Environment minister Penny Sharpe confirmed Origin’s notification and said the extension “gives certainty to workers, the market and energy consumers across the state, as well as contributing to NSW’s 2030 emissions reduction target.” Sharpe also said NSW has increased renewable energy capacity in operation by almost 70% since the election, “that’s equivalent to Eraring’s capacity.” The decision follows Aemo’s Transition Plan for System Security, which warned of energy grid “strength deficits across New South Wales” for 2027-28 under Eraring’s previous 2027 retirement date.

Origin’s chief executive, Frank Calabria, said keeping Eraring open will “provide more time for renewables, storage and transmission projects to be delivered, and reflects uncertainty regarding the reliability of Australia’s aging coal and gas fleet.” Origin said the extension is not expected to affect its 2030 emissions reductions targets and 2050 net zero plans; the plant has a capacity of 2,880MW and has been fully operational since 1984.

Key Topics

Politics, Eraring Power Station, Origin Energy, New South Wales, Penny Sharpe, Aemo