EnergyAustralia issues greenhouse emissions data

EnergyAustralia, one of Australia’s leading energy retailers, today said it emitted 17.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂-e) from the direct generation of electricity for the 12 months ended 30 June 2020. Meanwhile, the company’s combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions was 18.1 million tonnes. 

The company’s overall emissions reduced by 2.15 million tonnes of CO₂-e (11 per cent) due primarily to lower generation output. 

Production was paused at different power plants at times when demand was lower to fulfil major maintenance. The program of work helps to ensure the reliable operation of EnergyAustralia’s generation assets to meet the demands of summer. 

“While pursuing carbon neutrality across our portfolio by 2050, equally important is our responsibility to keep the lights on for households and businesses, especially at the height of summer,” said Liz Westcott, EnergyAustralia Executive – Energy.

The company’s carbon intensity – a measure of efficiency based on the carbon emitted per MWh of electricity produced – was lower across the Yallourn, Mt Piper, Tallawarra and Hallett power stations, which produced 94 per cent of the business’ combined output. 

Last year the business added 30-megawatts of increased generation capacity at two plants through a new fast-start gas generator at Hallett in South Australia, and a turbine upgrade at Mt Piper in New South Wales that increased output without having to burn more coal.

Emissions data for the company’s power plants in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia were submitted for inclusion in the Clean Energy Regulator’s latest National Greenhouse and Energy Report. Released in February 2021, the report provides the community, industry and government with information about greenhouse emissions across Australia.

Notes to editors:

• Scope 1 or direct emissions from the Yallourn plant in Victoria fell almost 7 per cent, reflecting major maintenance undertaken in the first half of 2020. 
• Scope 1 or direct emissions fell almost 26 per cent at Mt Piper in New South Wales due to a decrease in overall generation output. 
• Major maintenance conducted at the Tallawarra gas-fired plant in New South Wales in the 18-19 period resulted in greater generation output and thus an increase in Scope 1 (or direct emissions) by 52 per cent.
• Generation output increased at the Victorian gas-fired Newport power station, to help support power station outages and meet lower wind availability in South Australia, which contributed an increase in Scope 1 emissions by 28 per cent.
• Generation at the gas-fired Jeeralang plant in Victoria increased due to Latrobe Valley plant outages, which contributed an increase in Scope 1 emissions by 11 per cent.
• Commissioning of the GT1-3 turbine at Hallett power station in South Australia in April 2020, and its dominant output relative to the station, observed improved carbon intensity by 13 per cent.
• EnergyAustralia has the rights to more than 800 MW of solar and wind farm power purchase agreements. Through these long-term agreements, worth almost $3 billion, the company underpins around 11 per cent of the large-scale wind and solar projects in the National Electricity Market.

^{* Scope 1 emissions are released into the atmosphere as a direct result of an activity, or series of activities at a facility. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam. Most scope 2 emissions represent electricity consumption but can include other forms of energy transferred across facility boundaries.}