AGL has announced plans to close a gas-fired power station in Adelaide in 2026, following extensive consultation with stakeholders.
AGL Energy will close its remaining units of gas-fired Torrens Island B power on 30 June 2026, saying the plant would no longer be viable once the EnergyConnect interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales is complete around that time.
The Torrens Island B power station opened in 1976 providing 800 megawatts of electricity for SA consumers.
AGL took one of the four generating units offline permanently in October last year, after years of increased solar and wind energy supplies.
AGL's statement projected no negative profit consequences from the decision but said the closure was due to the challenged economic viability of the station:
"AGL is strongly committed to working with its people, in conjunction with unions and government, to help transition and further develop the skills and capabilities required for new and existing energy industries as Australia's energy system transitions to a low-carbon future."
AGL expects its 250 MW Torrens Island battery which is expected to be operational next year and is investigating a 'green hydrogen' facility at Torrens Island.
Answering questions on Tuesday about the failure of South Australia's sole interconnector to the national energy market Saturday week ago, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told Flow that in future excess renewable energy could remain in the state, diverted into hydrogen electrolisers. The state government has not yet tabled the enabling legislation for hydrogen energy, the Premier committing to do so by the end of 2024.