Nature Conservation Council: Eraring must close by 2026 for NSW to play its role in keeping global heating below 2 degrees

Eraring coal-fired power station on the Central Coast must close by 2026 for NSW to play its part in limiting global heating to below 2 degrees, according to the Nature Conservation Council. 

“We welcome news that Origin Energy is considering shutting Eraring power station plant before its scheduled closure date of 2032,” NCC Campaigns Director Dr Brad Smith said.

“This is one of the more rational responses to the climate emergency from the energy sector we've seen for a long time.

“While the company has not given a revised scheduled closure date, analysis shows Eraring must cease operations by 2026 to ensure NSW plays its part in limiting global heating to less than 2 degrees.

“According to Climate Analytics’ least-cost scenario, all OECD coal power stations must close by 2030. 

“The decommissioning of Eraring needs to be part of staged closure of the state’s five power stations, including Liddell in 2022, Vales Point in 2024, Eraring in 2026, Bayswater in 2028 and Mount Piper in 2030.

“The NSW Government must urgently develop a comprehensive plan to manage the decommissioning of the plants to ensure local communities are supported through the transition.”

Origin Energy chief executive Frank Calabria has reportedly said the energy market is "moving rapidly" and the Eraring was subject to continual review, and factors influencing the decision included the economics of running the plant and the impact of global warming in the wake of this summer's devastating bushfire season. [1] 

Retiring Eraring early would mean:

• 14.9 million tonnes less climate pollution each year
• 760,000 tonnes less toxic ash piled on the shores of Lake Macquarie
• 200 tonnes less PM2.5 air pollution each year

 It would require:

• 17,000 GWh more clean energy generation, creating jobs and investment across NSW
• A transition plan and fund to ensure the local community and workers have a bright future.
• Rehabilitation of the coal ash dam to stop heavy metals leaching into Lake Macquarie.

References 

[1] Origin Energy says coal plant closure date open to review, SMH, 21-2-20

[2] Climate Analytics, For Climate’s Sake: Coal Free by 2030, November 2019