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Origin Extends Eraring Coal Plant Operations to 2029 After Grid Security Warnings

The decision follows AEMO concerns about system security.

Overview

  • Origin will run Eraring until April 30, 2029, extending the life of the 2,880 megawatt plant by two years from the 2027 schedule.
  • The company says the extra time will allow new renewable generation, storage and transmission to be delivered, including a planned large battery at the site.
  • NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe welcomed the move as providing certainty for workers and consumers, with the state projecting adequate supply by 2029 as projects come online.
  • A previous $450 million risk‑sharing arrangement with NSW had shifted closure to August 2027, offering coverage of losses up to $225 million a year under certain triggers.
  • Origin says the extension does not change its 2030 emissions targets or 2050 net‑zero pledge, while climate advocates condemn the delay and cite frequent 2024 outages linked to price spikes.