Australia's largest coal power plant to operate an extra two years to support national grid

"Australia's largest coal-fired power plant, Eraring, will stay open for an extra two years until 2029, amid concerns about the national energy grid's ability to support demand ahead of the station's planned retirement. The operator of the plant in Lake Macquarie, Origin Energy, had previously agreed a deal with the New South Wales government to extend Eraring's closure from 2025 to August 2027."

"Origin's decision gives certainty to workers, the market and energy consumers across the state, as well as contributing to NSW's 2030 emissions reduction target, said Sharpe. My number one job is keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on power prices. NSW is making real progress replacing ageing coal-fired power stations. Since the election, we have increased the amount of renewable energy capacity in operation by almost 70%. That's equivalent to Eraring's capacity."

Eraring, Australia's largest coal-fired power station in Lake Macquarie, will continue operating until April 2029 with all four units in use. Origin Energy notified the NSW government, ASX and AEMO of the extended operation to address concerns about grid strength and to allow additional renewable, storage and transmission projects time to be delivered. The NSW environment minister said the extension contributes to the state's 2030 emissions reduction target and pointed to almost a 70% increase in renewable capacity since the election. AEMO had warned of grid strength deficits for 2027–28 under the earlier retirement date, and current projections indicate sufficient supply by 2029. Climate advocates criticized the extension as damaging to emissions goals, while Origin said the decision provides certainty to workers, markets and consumers.

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