{"id":297565,"date":"2021-04-22T12:57:16","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T02:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=297565"},"modified":"2021-04-22T13:32:38","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T03:32:38","slug":"meandu-will-close-but-not-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2021\/04\/22\/meandu-will-close-but-not-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Meandu Will Close, But Not Today"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"April 22, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

by Anne Miller<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s no secret that Stanwell – and the State Government – are working towards the closure of Tarong and Tarong North power stations.<\/p>\n

And when they close, Meandu coal mine will have no purpose and will likewise close.<\/p>\n

The trend away from coal-fired power generation is happening across the world.\u00a0It’s something South Burnett residents – and politicians – cannot simply wish away.<\/p>\n

But some media reports today, selectively quoting Stanwell CEO Richard Van Breda at the Central Queensland Energy Futures Summit in Gladstone, paint a bleaker picture for Meandu mine than the reality.<\/p>\n

The reports suggest Stanwell is “pulling the plug” on coal and would “soon” begin phasing out the Meandu coal mine.<\/p>\n

The reports also suggested up to 1100 workers at Meandu – 700 direct employees and 400 indirect workers – would be offered other career options.<\/p>\n

However, the reality is that Meandu Mine will not close while Tarong and Tarong North power stations remain operating.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tarong Power Station has a technical lifespan until 2037, while the newer Tarong North power station could continue operating until 2042.<\/p>\n

But they won’t. And Stanwell knows this.\u00a0They will close much sooner.<\/p>\n

My guess – and it’s only that – is probably five or six years.<\/p>\n

The lifespan of the two power stations depends solely on the needs of the energy market.<\/p>\n

That’s why Stanwell is preparing itself for a renewable energy future, and why the South Burnett Regional Council is also considering life after Tarong.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Mr\u00a0Van Breda spoke at Gladstone he was explaining Stanwell’s plans to shift towards renewable energy and storage over coming years.<\/p>\n

\u201cAustralia is undergoing a major energy transition and it\u2019s happening at a rapid pace,\u201d Mr Van Breda said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the coming years, Stanwell will respond to the renewable energy needs of our large commercial and industrial customers through the introduction of new low or zero-emission generation technologies. We will also strive to play a central role in the emerging green hydrogen industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are taking early steps to bring our people, communities, unions and government together to put plans in place.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“These plans will help ensure that as we eventually retire our coal-fired assets from service, our people have choices in relation to retraining, redeployment and \u2013 where it is their preference \u2013 retirement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe plans our host communities develop in partnership with government, local councils, industry and advocacy groups will ensure the long-term economic resilience of their regions. While the communities themselves must own these plans, we will engage with them throughout the planning process, playing a supporting role and sharing our future plans.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Tarong and Stanwell power stations will continue to play an important role as Stanwell\u2019s portfolio transforms.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“We will operate our coal-fired power stations much more flexibly, in response to market requirements.<\/p>\n

“This may include seasonal storage of our generating units, or placing units into standby mode so they can be quickly returned if the market needs them.\u201d<\/p>\n

So Meandu Mine will not close “soon”, although demand for its coal – and thus its workforce – could fluctuate in response to the number of units operating at Tarong.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Under National Electricity Rules, Stanwell is required to provide three years’ notice of any pending power station closure.<\/p>\n

There’s no need to panic yet …<\/p>\n