AGL intends to eventually create an overall project containing two battery units with a combined capacity of up to 500MW/2GWh as part of its Hunter Energy Hub. The Liddell battery project was approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in April 2022.

The closure of the first unit at Liddell is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 1.2 million tonnes annually. AGL plans to replace the lost capacity with a mix of renewable energy sources and gas-fired power.

While the closure of the Liddell plant has been met with opposition from some quarters, including the Australian government, AGL has stressed that the move is necessary to meet its emissions reduction targets and to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply.The closure of the Liddell plant has been welcomed by environmental groups, who have long been calling for an end to coal-fired power in Australia.

AGL plans to shut down the remaining two units at the Liddell plant by 2023 and replace them with a mix of renewable energy sources and gas-fired power. The company has also committed to investing $1.5 billion in renewable energy projects over the next three years.

Sources&Images: AGL website, ABC News, Climate Council, 2HD