How Many Coal Power Stations Are There in NSW?

New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s most populous state, has long relied on coal power as a major source of electricity. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, understanding the current status and number of coal power stations in NSW is crucial for energy planning, environmental considerations, and economic impacts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how many coal power stations exist in NSW, their significance, and the future outlook.

Overview of Coal Power in NSW

Coal power has historically dominated NSW’s electricity generation due to the state’s abundant coal reserves. Coal-fired power stations have been the backbone of NSW’s energy supply, providing reliable and affordable electricity for decades. Despite increasing investment in renewable energy, coal remains a significant part of the energy mix, although its share is gradually declining.

Number of Operational Coal Power Stations

As of 2024, NSW operates a small number of coal-fired power stations. The key operational coal power stations include:

Liddell Power Station: Located near Muswellbrook, Liddell has a capacity of approximately 2,000 MW but is scheduled for closure by 2023.

Bayswater Power Station: Also near Muswellbrook, Bayswater is the largest coal power station in NSW with a capacity of about 2,640 MW.

Eraring Power Station: Situated near Lake Macquarie, Eraring is the largest power station in Australia with a capacity of around 2,880 MW.

Together, these three stations represent the majority of coal power generation capacity in NSW.

Retired and Decommissioned Coal Power Stations

Several coal power stations in NSW have been retired or are in the process of decommissioning:

Munmorah Power Station: Closed in 2012.

Vales Point Power Station: Although older, it remains operational but is expected to retire in the near future.

Liddell Power Station: Scheduled for closure by April 2023.

The retirement of these stations reflects the broader transition away from coal in NSW and Australia.

Impact of Coal Power Station Closures

The closure of coal power stations in NSW has significant impacts:

Energy Supply Stability: Coal stations provide baseload power; their closure requires alternative energy sources.

Employment: Job losses in mining and power generation sectors affect local communities.

Environmental Benefits: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions help NSW meet climate targets.

Transition to Renewable Energy

NSW is actively increasing its renewable energy capacity to compensate for coal power station closures. Wind, solar, and battery storage projects are expanding rapidly. The state government’s policies aim to reduce reliance on coal and transition to cleaner energy sources by 2030.

Future of Coal Power in NSW

While coal power stations are still operational, their future is uncertain. Factors influencing this include:

Government Policy: NSW’s energy policies support renewables and emissions reductions.

Market Forces: Renewable energy and storage are becoming more cost-competitive.

Community Pressure: Growing environmental awareness pushes for cleaner energy.

The trend suggests a gradual phase-out of coal power in NSW within the next decade.

In summary, NSW currently operates three main coal power stations: Bayswater, Eraring, and Liddell (soon to be closed). Several older stations have already been retired, and the state is transitioning towards renewable energy sources. The number of coal power stations in NSW is decreasing as part of Australia’s broader energy transformation. Understanding this shift is important for stakeholders involved in energy, environment, and economic planning. While coal power remains significant today, its role in NSW’s energy future is clearly diminishing.