Liddell Coal Power Plant | 2,200 MW Facility in New South Wales, Australia

Liddell is a major coal-fired power plant located in New South Wales, Australia, with a capacity of 2,200 MW. Owned by Macquarie Generation, it plays a significant role in the Australian energy grid, supplying baseload power to the region. As a coal plant, it is part of Australia's traditional power generation fleet, which has been gradually transitioning towards renewable sources. The plant operates under Australian national and state environmental regulations, including the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme and the New South Wales Protection of the Environment Operations Act. Coal-fired power generation in Australia faces increasing regulatory pressure due to carbon emissions, with aging plants like Liddell being assessed for retirement or repowering. The plant uses subcritical technology, typical for its vintage, resulting in lower efficiency and higher emissions compared to modern supercritical or combined cycle plants. Liddell's environmental significance stems from its large coal consumption and associated CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. Its location in the Hunter Valley, a region with significant coal mining and industrial activity, means it contributes to local air quality concerns. The plant's age and technology profile place it under scrutiny for potential closure, with a planned retirement date of 2023, though it remains operational as of the latest data.

Liddell's coal-fired generation results in substantial CO2 emissions, contributing to Australia's greenhouse gas inventory. The plant's location in the Hunter Valley, a region with high coal mining density, raises local air quality issues due to SOx and NOx emissions. Its subcritical technology and age (commissioned in the 1970s) mean it operates with lower efficiency and higher emission intensity than modern plants. Proximity to populated areas in New South Wales adds to its environmental footprint.