Callide Power Station to reopen within weeks after latest explosion

CS Energy has revealed when the trouble-plagued Callide Power Station will reopen after it was rocked by another explosion last month.

Callide Power Station in Central Queensland

Damaged coal-fired generator Callide Power Station is on track to be operational within weeks after last month’s explosion, CS Energy says.

The government-owned generator CS Energy is under pressure to meet the May 30 target following the LNP’s criticism of missed deadlines under the former Labor government.

A CS Energy spokeswoman said repair work was continuing at the power station following the generator explosion on April 4.

“We are continually assessing the project schedule as works progress to identify any potential issues,” she said.

“We are also taking the opportunity to inspect other areas of the plant in preparation for the C3 planned overhaul later this year.

“We will proactively inform our shareholders and the public as soon as possible after we have provided the required notification to the market.”

It comes as a Queensland Conservation Council report found 21 coal-fired units had been offline for more than 1000 hours over the 2024-25 summer period.

Difficulties at Callide Power Station have been well-documented, with the QCC report revealing seven breakdowns at the station’s B2 unit between October and March.

Unit C4 broke down 13 times between October and March, while Unit C3 broke down once with the April 7 explosion.

There were 17 scheduled breakdowns and 128 planned breakdowns and the report said many of the affected units required a longer maintenance period than was forecast.

Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman said when coal fired stations unexpectedly broke down it drastically increased power bills.

“Australia’s ageing coal power stations are breaking down nearly every day,” he said.

“In Queensland coal broke down a staggering 78 times over the summer period.

“It’s alarming that the state government is talking about throwing billions in taxpayer dollars to keep Queenslanders reliant on our failing coal power stations.”

Originally published as Callide Power Station to reopen within weeks after latest explosion