Eraring Power Station
One of the largest power plants in Australia
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1982, Eraring Power Station is a coal power plant located in Australia with an installed capacity of 2.9 GW. It is operated by Origin Energy. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Australia.
Why It Matters
Eraring Power Station is one of the largest sources of dispatchable power in Australia, generating enough electricity for around 1.3 million US-equivalent households per year. Coal plants of this scale historically anchored national grids, but their high CO2 intensity makes them central targets in most decarbonization plans.
Environmental Impact
Eraring Power Station is among the most carbon-intensive forms of electricity generation. A plant of this size typically emits roughly 13.2 million tonnes of CO2 per year, along with particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and trace heavy metals. Most national decarbonization plans include phasing plants like this out within the next two decades.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in Australia.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 1.3 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 44 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Eraring Power Station produce?▾
Eraring Power Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 2.9 GW. At typical capacity factors for coal plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.3 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Eraring Power Station located?▾
Eraring Power Station is located in Australia at approximately -33.0694°, 151.5306°.
When was Eraring Power Station built?▾
Eraring Power Station was commissioned in 1982.
Who owns Eraring Power Station?▾
Eraring Power Station is owned and operated by Origin Energy.
About Coal Power
Coal power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. While reliable and capable of producing large amounts of power, coal plants are significant sources of CO2 emissions and air pollution.
Other Coal Power Plants in Australia
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Loy Yang Power Station | 3.3 GW | AGL Energy |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.