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Hero - Energy generators

ENERGY. TRANSITIONED.

Stanwell has been generating energy for over three decades – managing and maintaining our electricity generation sites to optimise output and minimise impact. We run some of the most efficient power stations in Australia and sell around 70% of our generation to large commercial and industrial users.

Our history is coal-fired, but our future is a transition to more clean firmed energy, a mix of energy technologies that will deliver a bright future to our people, customers and communities.

In the next few years, the need for reliable, affordable power will continue to grow as Queensland experiences population and industry growth. Our coal-fired Tarong and Stanwell power stations will continue to reliably generate electricity and provide critical system services to ensure the energy transition in Queensland is stable and orderly.

OUR TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY HUBS

In keeping with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, by 2035 we will gradually repurpose our existing power stations into clean energy hubs, capitalising on our skilled workforce, strong network connections and existing infrastructure.

What is a “clean energy hub”?

Coal-fired power stations have a good deal of existing infrastructure and buildings in place, not least the connection from these sites to the electricity grid. In addition, we have a skilled, committed workforce and decades-long commitment to the surrounding communities at these sites. supporting communities and skilled people employed at our sites have been in this region for over 30 years. It therefore makes absolute sense to build new renewable, clean and firmed energy in and around our coal-fired sites and to keep our people employed and communities thriving.

Our clean energy hubs will help replace the system services that are currently being provided by our coal fired generation units. They will provide critical system strength, inertia, firming and storage. Over time, they will also serve as a base from which our people will operate and maintain the surrounding renewable generation, energy storage and dispatchable renewable assets.

The exact mix of energy technologies to be developed at the clean energy hubs is being continually reviewed as new concepts and projects are developed.

STANWELL WILL LEVERAGE EXISTING STRATEGIC ASSETS TO SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND PROVIDE CRITICAL SYSTEM SERVICES TO THE QUEENSLAND ELECTRICITY GRID.

Clean energy hubs
Clean energy hubs

Stanwell has already begun the transition of Stanwell and Tarong stations, with the construction of two major battery energy storage systems on these sites. The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan sets out a trajectory where coal-fired units are gradually withdrawn from service as more and more firmed renewable energy enters the market. This process is overseen by the Queensland Government, with advice from a special advisory board, to ensure that a reliable supply of energy is maintained at all times through the transition.

Read about our renewable projects in construction

As we transition our business and the broader energy sector in Queensland, we are working closely with our people, delivering on our commitments under the Queensland Energy Workers’ Charter. Our people have a bright future, acquiring new skills and capabilities and helping to lead the Queensland energy transition.

Stanwell has also set up a specialist asset maintenance company that will employ and train people to maintain, operate and optimise renewable and dispatchable energy assets, including those in our own renewable portfolio.

Queensland Energy Workers CharterMore on maintaining renewables

TRANSITIONING RESPONSIBLY WHILE MANAGING DEMAND

Stanwell owns and operates large baseload energy generating units for Queensland and generates up to 40% the state’s total electricity. To help ensure security of supply as other coal-fired generators exit the market or go offline, we are generating more energy from our coal-fired power stations. As a result, it is likely that Stanwell will remain one of Australia’s largest thermal power providers in the short to medium term.