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

Australia's largest coal-fired power plant, Eraring, located in Lake Macquarie, will extend its operations until April 2029. Origin Energy, the plant's operator, made the decision to ensure grid stability amid concerns raised by the Australian Energy Market Operator (Aemo) about potential energy deficits in New South Wales. The extension provides additional time for renewable energy infrastructure and transmission projects to be developed. While the NSW government supports the decision as it ensures energy security and contributes to emissions reduction targets, climate advocates have criticized the move as detrimental to national climate goals. The plant was originally scheduled to close in 2025, then extended to 2027.