A $24 million maintenance outage is now underway at AGL Macquarie’s Bayswater power station near Muswellbrook.

Work started on Bayswater Unit 3 on Friday 31 March, with the outage expected to be completed by late May 2017.

AGL Macquarie's General Manager said the work will prepare the power station for efficient and reliable operation over the years ahead.

“The outage has started well and we are confident of completing the work on time.

“In particular, with winter approaching, we are focused on preparing our power stations for the increase in energy demand colder weather can bring.

“Power stations like Bayswater are built with four separate generating units.

“Each unit runs autonomously and can be taken offline for maintenance without any impact on the operation or output of the remainder of the power station.

“To ensure the station operates efficiently and to prevent unexpected breakdown, each unit needs scheduled routine maintenance."

With traditionally lower energy demand levels during current autumn months, the outage will not affect customers’ energy supply.

“Hundreds of contractors have arrived on site, and are working with the AGL Macquarie team for the seven-week outage.

“It is a busy time, and our employees and contractors are working hard to ensure reliable energy for our community and customers.

“During the seven weeks we will complete over 75,000 hours of work.

“With most contractors staying in the region, the outage will also be a significant economic boost for the Upper Hunter."

Contractors working on the outage include Toshiba, TW Power Services, ALS and GE.

The scope of work planned for the outage includes extensive inspection surveys and repairs on secondary super heater panels, secondary air heaters and gas ducts.

Several special maintenance projects will also be completed during the seven weeks.

A new generator circuit breaker unit and an upgraded generator protection system will be installed, both supplied by GE.

A replacement High Pressure Heater is also being lifted into position. The 48 tonne High Pressure Heater vessel has been manufactured in New Zealand over the last 6 months, and arrived recently in Port Kembla, before being transported to Bayswater power station.

About AGL
AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on 180 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass.