April 23, 2021
Stanwell Corporation has responded to media reports about a possible closure “soon” of Meandu coal mine.
“Stanwell will continue to operate its coal-fired assets as it gradually introduces new energy initiatives into its portfolio,” a spokesperson said.
“Stanwell’s Tarong and Stanwell power stations, its Meandu Mine, and the Queensland men and women who work there, will continue to play an important role as Stanwell’s portfolio transforms.
“Stanwell will operate its coal-fired power stations much more flexibly, in response to market requirements.
“This does not mean an immediate or fast move away from coal-fired generation.
“Stanwell’s coal-fired generators, including coal supply from Meandu Mine, will continue to play a significant and ongoing role for many years in Stanwell’s portfolio as the company transitions.
“All workers will continue to have permanent, stable, long-term employment. Their positions are safe.
“We are taking early steps to bring our people, communities, unions and government together, to put plans in place for when we do eventually retire our coal-fired assets from service, to ensure our people have choices in relation to retraining, redeployment and – where it is their preference – retirement.
“Stanwell’s recent announcements at the Central Queensland Energy Futures Summit in Gladstone are long-term and are some years away. Stanwell has no plans to decommission any generation assets ahead of their time.
“Downer Mining who have a contract with Stanwell until 2025 will continue to play a vital role in operating the Meandu Mine, which feeds the Tarong power stations.
“The end of life dates for our coal fired assets are, as advised to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), between 2038 and 2042. Should these dates change, we will notify AEMO as required of revised dates.”
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni also responded to the reports.
“Let me make it clear, there are no plans to decommission any of our publicly owned generation assets in Queensland ahead of their time,” Mr de Brenni said.
“In fact, Queensland needs significantly more generation to meet our aspirations for growth of our manufacturing and resources sectors.”
- Editorial: Meandu Will Close, But Not Today
