EnergyAustralia issues greenhouse emissions data

EnergyAustralia, one of Australia’s leading energy retailers, today said it emitted 18.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) from the direct generation of electricity for the 12 months ended 30 June 2021. The company’s combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions was 18.9 million tonnes.

Overall, emissions rose by 0.72 million tonnes of CO2-e (4 per cent). This was due to an increase in electricity generation that was required to help meet consumer demand.

The company’s portfolio greenhouse gas intensity was consistent with last year at 1.1 tonnes of CO₂-e / MWh. Inclusive of renewable offtake agreements, greenhouse gas intensity for the period was 0.95 tonnes of CO₂-e / MWh. The emissions intensities of the Yallourn, Jeeralang, and Hallett power stations were below the previous reporting period.

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 2022, the report provides the community, industry and government with information about greenhouse emissions across Australia.

Last year, EnergyAustralia updated its company Climate Change Statement, which includes a commitment to be net zero (scope one, two and three) by 2050, to be out of coal by 2040, and to reduce our direct emissions by 60 per cent by 2028/29 relative to 2019-20.  

The business also announced early closure on Yallourn in mid-2028 and made commitments to pumped hydro, batteries and gas and hydrogen power stations. Through long-term power purchase agreements, EnergyAustralia underpins around 6.5 per cent of the large-scale wind and solar projects in the National Electricity Market.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Scope 1 or direct emissions from the Yallourn plant in Victoria fell almost 10 per cent, reflecting major maintenance undertaken in 2021 and greater generation from more efficient units.
• Scope 1 or direct emissions rose almost 61 per cent at Mt Piper in New South Wales due to greater demand from the market.
• Scope 1 or direct emissions fell almost 66 per cent at Newport power station in Victoria due to reduced market demand.
• Scope 1 or direct emissions fell almost 23 per cent at Jeeralang power station in Victoria due to major outages and reduced market demand.
• Scope 1 or direct emissions rose almost 10 per cent at Hallett power station in South Australia due to higher market demand.
• Scope 1 or direct emissions fell almost 52 per cent at Tallawarra power station in New South Wales due to lower market demand.   

* 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.