October 10, 2025
The “Queensland Energy Roadmap” released by the State Government on Friday backs the future of coal-fired power in Queensland but has not made any clearer when the closure of the Tarong and Tarong North power stations is likely to occur.
However, it leaves the way open for future investment at the two sites and an extension beyond their previously expected working lives.
Under accelerated closure plans, the four power-generating units at Tarong could have closed as early as 2032, despite having a technical life to 2037.
The Tarong North unit could have closed in 2033, despite having a technical life – according to the Roadmap – to 2037, although previous reports had pushed this date out to 2042.
The Roadmap states that “as an insurance policy and to provide optionality for the future” the government was working with Stanwell on longer-term investment plans for potential extended operations at both Tarong and Tarong North.
It also noted that Tarong North was one of the most reliable sources of baseload generation in the National Energy Market.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the Energy Roadmap meant there were no deadlines to shut down the two coal-fired power stations.
“Instead, we’ll run our existing assets to their full technical life and beyond, if it’s economically sound and necessary.
“This is a balanced energy plan: improving what we already have, while building what we need for tomorrow.
“It supports local jobs, local families and our communities.”
- External link: Download the Queensland Energy Roadmap
