What’s in store for Tarong, Meandu Mine as Stanwell looks to renewable future?

Stanwell has announced upcoming changes to renewables, where will the Tarong Power Station and the Meandu Mine fit into the future?

As Australia shifts toward a clean energy future, the Stanwell Corporation have revealed plans to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace Australia’s renewable revolution, leaving South Burnett residents wondering what this means for the Tarong Power Station and Meandu Mine.

As Queensland’s third-largest carbon emitter, the shift for the energy giant was inevitable, but with Tarong and Meandu serving as two of the largest employers in the region, how will the next decade look for local employees in the energy sector?

Built in 1984, Tarong’s ageing turbines are expected to continue generating energy for another 17-21 years, with the end of life dates predicted between 2038 and 2042 as advised by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Until this point, Stanwell will continue to operate its coal-fired assets, as it gradually introduces new energy initiatives into its portfolio.

“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,” a Stanwell spokeswoman said.

“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.”

With Stanwell’s plan for a renewable future still in its infancy, the spokeswoman said the corporation intends to take current employees along for the ride.

“All workers will continue to have permanent, stable, long-term employment. Their positions are safe,” she said.

“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.”

At the Central Queensland Energy Futures Summit, Stanwell’s former CEO Richard van Breda announced the company’s plans to shift towards renewable energy and storage in the coming years, citing a “major” and “rapid” energy transition underway in Australia.

“Over 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,” Mr van Breda said.

“We will operate our coal-fired power stations much more flexibly, in response to market requirements.

“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.”

Mr van Breda mysteriously stood down as CEO just days after the summit took place.

Regarding the statement made at the energy summit, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said “there are no plans to decommission any of our publicly-owned generation assets in Queensland ahead of their time”.

“In fact, Queensland needs significantly more generation to meet our aspirations for growth of our manufacturing and resources sectors,” he said.

A South Burnett Regional Council spokeswoman said the council has met with Stanwell’s former CEO and Executive to discuss the future of energy in the region.

“South Burnett Regional Council and Stanwell Corporation have an extremely strong and positive working relationship and the importance of Stanwell to the region is well recognised,” she said.

“Some preliminary discussions have also occurred with other organisations with a similar focus on the wellbeing of our region and future opportunities.

“Council has a focus on growth and is providing an environment that will enable sustainable growth.

“Part of the council's role in this space is providing the supporting infrastructure.

“The Draft Regional Development Strategy outlines council’s future economic direction and will be open for public comment and feedback.”