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- EnergyAustralia’s 300+ megawatt Tallawarra B power station will be powering New South Wales homes and businesses in time for summer following Liddell’s retirement
- The peaking power station will be capable of using a blend of green hydrogen and natural gas, with the plant’s greenhouse gas emissions to be fully offset over its operational life
- The new power station will deliver reliable power to around 150,000 homes1, contribute $300 million to the economy and create 250 well-paid jobs during construction.
EnergyAustralia is delighted to announce that the expansion of its existing Tallawarra power station in the Illawarra region is proceeding, following an agreement reached with the Government of New South Wales.
Managing Director, Catherine Tanna, said Tallawarra B will be Australia’s first net zero emissions hydrogen and gas capable power plant, with direct carbon emissions from the project offset over its operational life. EnergyAustralia will offer to buy 200,000kg of green hydrogen per year from 2025.
“We thank the New South Wales Government for its support for Tallawarra B. It means the station will be operating in time for the summer of 2023-24, following the closure of the Liddell power station, and it will help to kick start the green hydrogen industry,” said Ms Tanna.
“We are leading the sector by building the first net zero emissions hydrogen and gas capable power plant in New South Wales,” she said.
“What’s particularly exciting is that further engineering studies will see if the amount of green hydrogen can increase, which will further support the Port Kembla Hydrogen Hub.”
Ms Tanna said Tallawarra B will provide New South Wales with improved energy security, reliability and flexibility options.
“Our new open-cycle, hydrogen and gas capable turbine will provide firm capacity on a continuous basis and paves the way for additional cleaner energy sources to enter the system.
“EnergyAustralia has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. Today we provide further evidence of another energy project that can help keep the lights on for customers with reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy.”
Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, said: “This project sets a new benchmark for how gas generators can be consistent with NSW’s plan to be net zero by 2050 by using green hydrogen and offsetting residual emissions.”
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1Based on a POE10 demand of 1.97kW for EnergyAustralia’s portfolio of NSW residential customers at 300MW of generation.