Australia’s largest coal-fired power plant to run longer – DW – September 5, 2023

Produced north of metropolitan Sydney Australia Largest coal-fired power plant. It will end in 2025: For economic reasons. As electricity prices plummeted at the time, the operating company, Origin Energy, decided to take the “Erring” power plant off the grid because it was difficult to make a profit at the site.

Due to increased energy costs, the New South Wales state government now wants to prevent the shutdown. State Energy Minister Benny Sharp announced talks with the operator. A government-commissioned study will argue for extending the life of Erring Power Station. “We’re accepting suggestions,” Sharpe said. New South Wales fears electricity prices will rise if the power plant goes offline as planned in 2025.

Energy costs in the region have already risen following the closure of another coal-fired power plant in April, a review of government plans to replace energy supplies found. According to the report, the plan to switch to low-carbon energy sources faces many problems and has little chance of success.

The Climate Council has called for a shutdown

Amanda McKenzie, president of the Australian Climate Council, on Monday called on the New South Wales government to shut down the power plant as planned. “The rise of renewable energy is the best chance to tackle the climate crisis,” McKenzie said. The right policies can “create thousands of new, clean jobs in the energy sector, lower electricity bills” and ensure energy supplies for homes and businesses.

To date, the state of New South Wales gets 70 percent of its electricity from four coal-fired power plants, which are scheduled to be taken offline in the next ten to 15 years. According to the World Bank, Australia is one of the highest CO2 emitters in the world, at over 15 tonnes per capita.

AR/djo (afp, rtr)