AGL is set to undertake another important milestone in converting the Liddell Power Station to an Energy Hub.
From today, Friday 7 May, the company will begin 12 weeks of transition planning for the site, in preparation for its closure in 2022-23.
Through a competitive procurement process, leading diversified engineering contractor Delta Group has been awarded the tender for the first stage of the cessation, preparing the decommissioning and demolition of the facility located between Muswellbrook and Singleton.
AGL chief operating officer Markus Brokhof said it was an important landmark as it prepared for Liddell’s retirement.
“For the next three months, AGL and Delta will establish appropriate documentation, processes and systems to ensure an orderly and safe closure of the stations units,” he explained.
“Delta will help identify specific risks and controls for decommissioning, asset salvage, remediation and demolition.
“For 50 years, the Liddell Power Station has produced about 8000 GWh of electricity annually, powering more than one million average Australian family homes.
“The station is now nearing the end of its technical life and our transition program is about ensuring the safety of our people and preparing other sources of generation to continue delivering reliable electricity.”
Mr Brokhof added preparing for Liddell’s closure was a bittersweet moment for AGL.
“The station and its people play such an important role in Australia’s energy supply but equally we’re excited to take these steps as we transition and enter a new era for the business,” he said.
“Australia’s future energy needs will be delivered through a combination of technologies – gas, hydrogen, pumped-hydro, renewables and firming technologies and industrial developments.
“We are continuing to work on a number of plans for the Liddell site as we develop an Energy Hub, which include solar storage systems, grid-scale batteries and a waste to energy facility.
“We’re looking forward to progressing these plans which will provide essential jobs and economic activity to the region while also supporting Australia’s energy transition and AGL’s Climate Statement commitments, which include net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Delta Group CEO Jason Simcocks said the opportunity to partner with AGL on transition planning works for the Liddell Power Station realises another goal in their expansion of its industrial contracting services.
“We were delighted to be selected for this important stage of the project and look forward to working with AGL,” he stated.
“This opportunity complements our work in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley at the (former) Hazelwood Power Station for ENGIE Australia.
“So, we hope to bring a variety of skills and experiences to support AGL’s transition program and the Hunter Valley community.”
In August 2019, following an independent assessment, AGL informed AEMO that the first unit at Liddell would close in April 2022.
The remaining three units will close in April 2023, supporting system reliability throughout the 2022-23 summer months.
The first stage of these works will conclude in mid-July 2021.
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