AGL has completed the first stage of a systems upgrade at its Bayswater power station in New South Wales to improve reliability and safety.

AGL Macquarie General Manager Operations Len McLachlan said AGL had recently completed $70 million of work that included the installation of a new control system on unit 1 at Bayswater to improve plant stability, operational flexibility and reliability.

“More than 500 contractors worked on the project which involved more than 125,000 work hours from employees and contractors,” Mr McLachlan said.

“Work on the three other units at Bayswater will proceed during scheduled outages over the next three years.

“Looking forward we will continue to invest in this 2,640 megawatt (MW) plant with repairs to units 2 and 4 which will enable them to operate at full capacity over summer.

“In preparation for the coming season, we have also conducted our annual pre-summer review which covers issues and risks that have caused problems during previous summers and pre-empts possible issues.

“Our bush fire management plan is current, and coal stockpile levels and locations have been assessed to ensure Bayswater remains a safe and reliable supplier of power during this peak demand period.”

Mr McLachlan said work on the biggest project at Bayswater, the $200 million turbine efficiency upgrade, would begin next year.

“This four year project will create 100 MW of extra generation capacity, which is enough to power up to 100,000 average Australian homes, without additional coal or emissions and will also create 90 jobs for the duration of each turbine replacement,” he said.

About AGL

AGL is committed to helping shape a sustainable energy future for Australia. We operate the country’s largest electricity generation portfolio, we’re its largest ASX-listed investor in renewable energy, and we have 3.6 million customer accounts. Proudly Australian, with more than 180 years of experience, we have a responsibility to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy for our customers. Our aim is to prosper in a carbon-constrained world and build customer advocacy as our industry transforms. That’s why we have committed to exiting our coal-fired generation by 2050 and why we will continue to develop innovative solutions for our customers.