Why is the Liddell Power Station closing?

AGL said the closure of the first unit will deliver an annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is equivalent to taking around 400,000 cars off the road. The closure of the Liddell Power Station is part of an accelerating transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable power.

What is the output of Liddell Power Station?

Liddell Power Station is a coal-powered thermal power station with four 500 megawatts (670,000 hp) GEC steam driven turbine alternators for a combined electrical capacity of 2,000 megawatts (2,700,000 hp). However, as at April 2018, its operating capacity has been assessed at 1,680 megawatts (2,250,000 hp).

What replaced Liddell Power Station?

Last month, it was announced that the Commonwealth-owned Snowy Hydro would build a 660-megawatt gas generator at Kurri Kurri, NSW, to replace AGL’s Liddell plant in 2023.

When was Liddell Power Station built?

1971
“As the power station nears the end of its technical life, we are focused on ensuring it continues to operate safely for our people while providing power reliably.” Liddell represented a new era of electricity generation in Australia when it was switched on in the winter of 1971.

How many coal power stations does Australia have?

Coal fired power stations in Australia 2.5 Currently there are 24 coal fired power stations operating in Australia.

Why are coal plants shutting down?

Dozens of plants nationwide plan to stop burning coal this decade to comply with more stringent federal wastewater guidelines, according to state regulatory filings, as the industry continues moving away from the planet-warming fossil fuel to make electricity.

Does AGL use coal?

Thermal. Our thermal energy assets generate electricity using heat that comes from gas or coal. AGL Loy Yang and AGL Macquarie are fueled by coal, while AGL Torrens uses gas.

What power stations do AGL own?

Power generation projects in development

  • Coopers Gap Wind Farm.
  • Silverton Wind Farm.
  • Barker Inlet Power Station.
  • Crib Point Gas Import Jetty.
  • Kanmantoo pumped hydro.

Is Liddell Power Station open?

The full closure of the Liddell Power Station will take place in April 2023. It will be the first of AGL’s thermal generation sites to be converted into an integrated, low-carbon industrial energy hub, which will support energy reliability and regional economic development.

How old is Liddell Power Station?

Liddell opened in 1971 and at one point was the most powerful generating station in Australia. Beyond April 2023, Liddell is ground zero for the Hunter Energy Hub site that will house a grid-scale battery, solar thermal storage, wind, hydrogen and pumped hydro.

How is coal supplied to Liddell Power Station?

Much of the coal is supplied by overland conveyors from mines it shares with the nearby Bayswater Power Station. In 2007, a project commenced at Liddell to replace some of the station’s boiler feed-water by hot water from a solar thermal array.

Who owns Liddell Power Station?

Liddell power station was owned by the Electricity Commission of New South Wales, with ownership transferred in 1996 to Macquarie Generation. In September 2014 Liddell was included in the sale of Macquarie Generation by the New South Wales government to AGL Energy.

What is the NOx limit at Liddell Power Station?

In May 2018 it was reported that FOI documents obtained by Environmental Justice Australia reveal that a power station of Liddell’s age would normally be subject to a NOx limit of 800 mg/m3, however AGL successfully applied to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for an increase to 1,500 mg/m3.

What do we know about Liddell’s CO emissions?

The National Pollutant Inventory provides details of a range of pollutant emissions, including CO, estimated at 1,000,000 kilograms (2,200,000 lb) for the year ending 30 June 2011. a Freedom of Information request in 2018 revealed that Liddell is allowed to emit three times more than the best practice-allowed amount of nitrogen oxide.