Our assets
As the Hunter Region diversifies, we’re bringing together industries that can make a positive contribution to the energy transition and transforming the Liddell and Bayswater site into the Hunter Energy Hub.
Hunter Energy Hub
In the years ahead, we’ll be transforming our Liddell and Bayswater site into our first integrated energy hub.
Repurposing existing assets and infrastructure including land, water, transport links and grid connectivity, the Hunter Hub will bring together co-located industries that can make a positive contribution to the energy transition and create economic opportunities for the local community.
Liddell Power Station
AGL is preparing to demolish the iconic chimney stacks at the Liddell Power Station, marking a significant moment in Australia’s energy transition.
Liddell Power Station closed in 2023 after more than 50 years of service.
The process of demolishing the stacks is technically demanding and safety remains our highest priority.
Extensive planning - reviewed by independent experts and regulated by state government agencies - has been undertaken to ensure the demolition is carried out safely and responsibly.
For safety reasons, some local roads will be temporarily closed during the stack demolition. Learn more about road closures in place around site.
Due to these closures, the demolition cannot be viewed in person. AGL will live stream the event on its YouTube channel and will share video footage following completion.
We’re grateful for the support of the community as we move into the next chapter in Liddell’s history and Australia's energy transition.
Learn more about Liddell Future Use and Enabling Works.
Frequently Asked Questions about the project
What is happening?
AGL will manage a controlled explosive demolition of the Liddell Power Station chimney stacks. This is a short, planned activity that forms part of the site’s decommissioning and rehabilitation program.
AGL is targeting Tuesday 26 May for the demolition, subject to weather conditions. Please check our website for updates.
Can I watch the demolition?
For safety reasons, it won’t be possible to watch the demolition in person. During the blast, roads around the site will be closed. Further information about road closures and traffic control can be found here.
A live stream of the demolition will be available on AGL’s Youtube channel and we’ll share video footage after the event.
How are the chimney stacks being demolished?
The two chimneys are being brought down using a controlled blast designed by demolition specialists. Hundreds of small, precisely timed charges weaken the base so each stack falls safely in a planned direction. Extensive testing and modelling were carried out in advance to ensure the demolition is, so far as reasonably practicable, predictable, controlled and safe. Watch this video to learn more.
Can the stacks remain untouched as a community memorial?
No. The stacks were specifically built for use at an operational power station and will impact our ability to redevelop the site as an energy hub. If left unused, the stacks begin to degrade and pose safety risks.
Is the demolition safe for the community?
All safety measures have been developed in consultation with emergency services and approved by regulators. For safety, a livestream of the demolition will be hosted on the AGL YouTube channel.
Who is responsible for road closures, traffic management and road safety?
Traffic management is being delivered by qualified traffic controllers, in coordination with NSW Police, Transport NSW, emergency services and the demolition team, under an approved Traffic Management Plan. View up-to-date information related to road closures and traffic management here.
What planning is in place to manage any risks during the demolition?
AGL has appointed industry-leading experts in structural demolition. All plans have been verified by independent Australian and international engineers and are tightly regulated by NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the NSW EPA. All plans have been developed to achieve a controlled and safe outcome and contingencies – including emergency response procedures – have been put in place.
Will the demolition impact nearby homes or infrastructure?
Comprehensive modelling (vibration, dust, and airblast overpressure) has been undertaken and reviewed by industry experts who are confident homes and infrastructure assets will not be affected. The blast will only be undertaken in favourable weather conditions. Nearby residents will be kept informed prior to the blast.
How will dust and environmental impacts be managed?
Measures to control dust will be implemented, and environmental monitoring will take place before, during, and after the demolition, to ensure that environmental standards are met so far as reasonably practicable. The blast will only proceed if weather conditions are suitable.
What happens to the materials after demolition?
After the chimney stacks are safely brought down, crews will carry out post-demolition safety checks and confirm the area is safe. Demolished materials will be sorted for recycling and safe disposal, with steps taken to minimise waste and environmental impact.
Local job opportunities
Keep an eye out for employment and training opportunities across our Bayswater Power Station, Hunter Energy Hub and renewable energy projects.
Community and environment information
We understand the importance of contributing to the growth and diversity of our community, and managing our impact on the environment where we do business.
Project documents and approvals
Project overview and purpose
The purpose of the Project is to improve the management of ancillary processes over the remaining operating life of Bayswater Power Station and to facilitate an improved rehabilitation outcome for the ash disposal area involving:
Optimising and improving ash management including augmenting the existing ash disposal area, replacing the Ravensworth ash transfer pipeline and increasing the capacity of the existing ash harvesting and recycling facilities.
Creation of a salt cake disposal landfill to complete the alternative process for managing water impurities and reduce the reliance on the Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme.
Improvements to water management around the coal handling plant area.
The Project will include the following elements.
Stage 1 – Commencing August 2022
Construction and operation of a new coal ash pipeline to Ravensworth Void No. 3 for ash emplacement (Ravensworth ash line)
Stage 2 – Commencement to be advised
Augmentation of the existing Bayswater Ash Dam (BWAD) to provide additional ash storage capacity (Ash Dam augmentation)
Improvements to water management structures and systems to ensure continued collection and reuse of process water and return waters from the BWAD (Ash Dam augmentation)
Improvements to the management of water and waste materials within the coal handling plant (CHP) sediment basin and associated drainage system (Coal handling plant upgrades)
Increasing coal ash recycling activities to produce up to 1,000,000 tonnes per annum of ash derived product material and reuse of coal ash (Ash harvesting upgrades)
Upgrades to existing fly ash harvesting infrastructure including the installation of weighbridges, construction of a new 240 tonne silo, tanker wash facility and additional truck parking (Ash harvesting upgrades)
Construction and operation of a salt cake landfill facility to dispose of salt cake waste from the approved salt caking plant to be constructed at the Bayswater water treatment plant (Salt cake landfill)
Construction and operation of borrow pits on AGL land to facilitate the improvements proposed for the Project and other works on AGL land (Borrow Pits 1 to 4)
Ancillary infrastructure works including repositioning of underground pipelines to above ground, replacement or upgrading of ageing pipelines, vegetation clearing associated with maintaining existing infrastructure, including along existing pipeline corridors as is necessary (HP Pipe clearing, and LSP Pipe clearing).
Project contact
Documents
Environmental Impact Statement
Statutory Approvals
- SSD 9697 Consent (PDF)
Response letter for AGL Macquarie SSD9697 Independent Environment Audit 2.0 (PDF)
DPE Approval of Construction Environmental Management Plan (PDF)
DPE Approval of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (PDF)
Complaints registers
- Complaints register 2023 (PDF)
- Complaints register 2024 (PDF)
- Complaints register 2025 (PDF)
- Complaints register 2026 (PDF)
Water monitoring reports
Stage 1 plans - Ravensworth Ashline Replacement
EPBC Compliance Reports
- EPBC Compliance Report 2025 – Bayswater Power Station Upgrades (PDF)
- EPBC Annual Compliance Report - November 2025 (PDF)
Liddell Battery and Bayswater Ancillary Works
To find documents relating to the Liddell battery and Bayswater Ancillary Works, visit Liddell Battery.
