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Environment

Our approach to the environment

As we plan for the closure of our coal-fired power stations, with an ambition to add 12 GW of new renewable and firming capacity by the end of 2035, we’re committed to operating responsibly and reducing our environmental impact.

Minimising our impact and ensuring resource efficiency

We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and recognise the high expectations of our stakeholders, in relation to how we operate our assets and the role we play in Australia’s decarbonisation journey.

We recognise our stakeholders expect us to have strong and responsible transition plans that will lead AGL towards a net zero future, accompanied by measurable targets and reporting.

As we contribute to Australia’s decarbonisation through the responsible closure of our coal-fired power stations over time, we face significant rehabilitation obligations, which we undertake through various transition activities with careful monitoring and transparency.

Future low-carbon world

AGL operates the largest private electricity generation portfolio in Australia. The operation of this portfolio, which includes two coal-fired power stations, makes AGL Australia’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter, and we recognise both the responsibility and opportunities that this presents to lead the country’s energy transition. 

AGL has a key role to play in Australia’s energy transition. By delivering on our strategy through our energy portfolio transition commitments, and supporting customers to decarbonise, we are making good progress toward delivering on one of Australia’s largest corporate decarbonisation initiatives.

Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP)

Our strategy aims to balance the need to decarbonise with energy affordability, system reliability and security, while adapting to the evolving needs of our customers and communities.

Download our Climate Transition Action Plan (PDF) , opens in a new window

Environmental stewardship

We’re committed to operating responsibly. Our plans are designed to reduce our environmental impact and continuously improve our environmental management practices and performance.
 

At AGL, we apply a risk-based approach to environmental management which is driven and influenced by AGL's Health, Safety and Environment Policy. The AGL Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS) sets out how we will implement the Health, Safety and Environment Policy. Our environmental management process and practices align with the requirements of the Environmental Management System Standard (ISO 14001:2015). 

Environmental monitoring 

The environmental aspects we monitor are land, surface water and groundwater, air emissions and greenhouse gas emissions, noise emissions, waste, cultural heritage and biodiversity. Our Biodiversity Policy (PDF) sets out our vision to minimise direct impacts on biodiversity in the areas where we operate and promote sustainable practices that protect and enhance the diversity of land and animal species and their habitats. 

For information on our environmental monitoring, see our monitoring and reporting data.

Some AGL sites may also have their own environmental procedures. Learn more about each site on our Operations page.

Responsible rehabilitation

The safe and efficient closure of our ageing generation assets is essential in achieving AGL’s decarbonisation commitments. In addition, the necessary decommissioning, demolition and rehabilitation of these sites creates a pathway to deliver AGL’s integrated energy hub strategy. We remain committed to working with our community and stakeholders regarding our approach to the closure and rehabilitation of our assets at the end of their operational lives.

Over the last few years AGL has focused on the completion of handover to the demolition Principal Contractor at Liddell Power Station and our capping programme across two distinct zones at the Liddell Ash Dam (as part of rehabilitation works, including continued proactive dust and vegetation management strategies on site).  AGL’s continued focus on repurposing waste materials and removal of hazardous materials has also occurred at multiple sites.

The Camden Gas Project’s Rosalind Park Gas Plant (including wells and sites) has been decommissioned, rehabilitated as required and returned to landholders. Rehabilitation of gas gathering lines is currently being completed in line with regulatory approvals.

AGL also undertakes progressive rehabilitation works at the Loy Yang mine, and targeted rehabilitation and associated management at the Ravensworth site in compliance with regulatory requirements and approvals.

Environmental data

Find environmental performance data in the ESG Data Centre.

ESG Data Centre

Our environment policies