AGL Energy
Australia’s leading private investor in renewable energy and operator of the largest portfolio of renewable and battery assets of any ASX-listed company.
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What it means to offset carbon
As we transition to a new energy future, Australians are increasingly looking to live more sustainable lives – by minimising and mitigating their carbon emissions. But how does carbon offsetting work?
Customer driven innovation
For more than 180 years, AGL has been innovating with our customers to deliver increasingly simple and convenient experiences that provide choice, value and flexibility.
Ask AGL…
Did you know you can ‘Ask Alexa’ to help you monitor your energy usage? Amazon Alexa has developed an app so you can ask her to pay your bill, help you understand and manage your energy consumption, and even let you know when it’s the right time to turn off household appliances!
Energy storage solutions can drive energy affordability
Home batteries can play a key role in helping energy consumers take control of their energy usage and costs.
Equal opportunity to progress and grow
To recognise International Day of People with Disability (3 December), two of our Disability Working Group members – Chris Nicholson-Doyle and Flora McGrath – share their experiences of living with, and caring for people, with a disability.
Powering progress with a legal lens
Chris Goodyear, Head of Legal – Major Projects, Operations and People, recently shared some of his experiences at AGL and how, as a business, we’re overcoming complex challenges and delivering exceptional outcomes for our customers and communities.
Keeping our promise to our people
At AGL, we believe progress is powered by our people. That’s why we’re showcasing our People Promise and the unique employee experiences we offer our people right across the business.
Expanding hearts and minds on the reconciliation journey
Our path towards reconciliation includes the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – which we will launch later this year – but our vision remains to nurture respectful partnerships and create meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Tech careers in focus: Meet Alisha
Alisha Bailey, Head of Digital Product and Experience in AGL’s Future Business and Technology team was recently awarded Digital Experience Leader of the Year in the 2020 Women in Digital Awards. Read her story.
Energy Advice Packs
Through the Energy for Life program, AGL has developed ‘Energy Advice Packs’ which contain information and advice for households about available support, retailer hardship programs and simple tips to save energy around the home.
AGL affirms the Darlington Statement
Today we’re pleased to announce our support for intersex communities across Australia and New Zealand by affirming the Darlington Statement.
Driving disability inclusion globally
This week, AGL committed to The Valuable 500, a global collective aiming to improve disability inclusion and accessibility. This makes us the first Australian energy company to join the collective!
You little butane at Wallumbilla
Butane is a useful gas, with almost limitless applications. In fact, you’ve probably used some today already with your own hands. And now we’re using it in a world-first to power one of our Queensland sites in a more sustainable and efficient way.
Evolving as the market evolves
As the renewables market continues to mature, our generation portfolio is continuing to evolve so it can best meet the needs of the market with flexible and firming generation and storage.
Coal, conveyor belts, and creativity
30 km of coal conveyors feed AGL Loy Yang. What happens when you need to clean spillage, but the right tool for the job doesn’t exist? If you’re the operators at Loy Yang, you draw on our history of supporting innovation – and you make your own.
generating-flexible-solutions
Perth Energy’s 120 MW Kwinana Swift Power Station underwent some delicate maintenance recently… involving us physically lifting the entire generator out of its housing. Have a look inside.
Supporting our graduates and apprentices
COVID-19 has disrupted the way many of us work. How do we balance making sure our people are safe – while making sure our graduates and apprentices aren’t disadvantaged by circumstances out of their control?
Spotlight on: flexible generation
The rise of renewable energy and the demand on the national grid is changing. There’s a pivotal need for generation that’s flexible – and that can respond to sudden peaks in demand within minutes. Why is that important – and what does it look like?
Protecting our people and our assets
Safety is our number one priority on our generation sites. That’s why we put in place wide-ranging measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 onto our sites, which generate power for millions of Australians.
LED there be light
How many dollars does it take to change tens of thousands of light bulbs? We know exactly how many: $500,000, every year, just in maintenance costs. That’s one of many reasons we’re upgrading our power station lighting to long-lasting LEDs.
Breaking down barriers to rooftop solar
This year marks the third year of the Gill Owen Essay Prize – a prize for young Australians who seek to build on Dr Owen’s legacy by discussing changes to policy which could improve our future outlook for energy efficiency and social equity – two areas in which Dr Owen campaigned tirelessly.
Drones: taking inspections to new depths
The use of drone technology is rapidly growing, from amateur enthusiasts to trained and qualified pilots in steel caps inspecting industrial sites.
Investing in the future of work
Over the past few weeks, working from home has become the norm for millions of people around the world.
Buddying up at Mount Beauty
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to be realised across the world – but people in Australian communities are stepping up to the crease to lend their mates a hand – however they can. One of those people is one of our people – Gary Cox, Business Improvement Specialist in our operational division.
Taking control at Torrens
We’re working responsibly and following the best advice from the government and medical authorities on COVID-19. Many of our people have roles that allow them to work from home, and those people are working remotely. But many of our people need to be on site to do their jobs and can’t work from home. Amanda Richardson is one of those people turning up at site to keep the lights on for millions of Australians.
Explainer: the duck curve
The energy sector is infamously jargon-heavy, and even with a handy glossary of terms at your fingertips it can often be a tough slog reading about developments and issues in the energy industry. One rather abstract term cropping up more frequently is the ‘duck curve’ – but what is a duck curve? And what does it have to do with energy?
Devils in the details
While AGL operates some of the biggest solar farms in Australia, there’s no doubt the smaller projects can have a big impact too – like the solar and battery system on the Devil Ark conservation facility in remote NSW.
People-powered progress at Mount Beauty
How often do you find a mother and son working together in the new renewable energy sector? Well, that’s what Marion and Ken Birt do – and it works for them.
Developing shared value with our communities
Generating energy for millions of Australians means AGL has operations in local communities across Australia - from the Western Downs to the Latrobe Valley, Mount Beauty to the Hunter Valley, and Torrens Island to Broken Hill.
From data to results at the speed of light
AGL’s General Manager Data & Analytics, Dayle Stevens, talks with our Executive General Manager Group Operations, Doug Jackson, about the opportunities that big data presents for energy companies.
Shining a light on our people
As an essential service provider and one of Australia’s oldest companies, we take our role in in the community seriously. We’re committed to our purpose, ‘Progress for Life’, which is a relentless determination to make things better for our customers, our communities, our planet, and our economy.
People-powered progress at Torrens and Barker Inlet Power Stations
AGL has a long history in Australia – we’re 184 years old. And for many people, it’s almost a family business – just ask Jim and Jonathan Schroeter.
People-powered progress at Silverton
Broken Hill is one of the oldest cities in Australia. The Silver City has been a mining town for more than a century. And according to AGL’s Adam Mackett, Broken Hill and nearby Silverton are going to continue being mining towns for decades to come – but they’re going to mining something very different.
Spotlight on: batteries
The rapid uptake of renewable generation in Australia – especially rooftop solar, which ANU notes is the largest per-capita in the world – means our energy mix is evolving faster than ever.
Setting the standards for energy in Australia - literally
According to a recent report by the ANU Energy Change Institute, Australia has about 9 GW of roof mounted solar PV deployed, which is by far the largest per capita rooftop-PV deployment in the world1. So how do energy retailers and infrastructure engineers ensure that people feel confident that their new solar panel, or their battery, or their electric vehicle charger is safe and performs as advertised? This is where Standards Australia comes in.
Keeping the lights on
As many of us unwrap Christmas presents and settle in for dinner with family and friends, hundreds of people will be working at generation sites across Australia to keep the power flowing.
Preparing for the summer period
We’re prepped and ready for the peak summer period. We’ve invested $150m in summer readiness, with preparations for this peak period starting at the end of last summer.
Knifeless splice at Loy Yang A
More than 30 km of heavy-duty conveyer belts support the Latrobe Valley’s Loy Yang A power station in Victoria – and invariably, these conveyer belts get damaged and have to be repaired. The 50-80 repairs – or belt splices – that are completed each year are carried out by contractors from Belle Banne Conveyer Services. After a spate of knife-injuries at parent company Fenner Dunlop, they asked – is it possible to make these repairs without knives, and decrease the injury rate?
Fast and flexible energy from Barker Inlet Power Station
The influx of utility-scale renewables and rooftop solar means there’s a greater need for highly flexible firming energy sources which can be activated at a moment’s notice during times of high demand. The Barker Inlet Power Station (or BIPS) is nearing the final stages of construction, and it exemplifies this firming capacity.
The ABCs of Energy
Do you know your VPPs from your DMOs? Your PVs from your EVs? And just what is the Paris Agreement anyway? We’ve compiled the most commonly used terms from the energy sector in a handy reference.
Spotlight on: hydro
People have been harnessing the power of flowing water for millenia – but how does hydro power fit into our energy mix today?
How demand response works for commercial and industrial participants
The rapid uptake of renewables has created an energy demand that is peakier than ever, raising the profile – and the importance – of demand response, particularly for commercial and industrial customers. But what is demand response – and why is it so important?
Supporting STEM Sisters at AGL Loy Yang
It’s important to encourage the next generation of STEM superstars to follow their dreams. AGL Loy Yang hosted a group of Year 10 girls from Traralgon Secondary College and Lowanna College onsite and gave them a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of one of Victoria’s largest power station.
Spotlight on Mount Beauty Community
This is Mount Beauty. We’ve been operating in this amazing part of Victoria since 2005, and we’ve created a close relationship with the community there. Investing in energy generation is a priority for us - but equally important is supporting the community and what matters to them.
Change normal: you can’t be what you can’t see
Meera Shanaaz Aneez has spent 20 years in technology – and now she’s inspiring young women to enter STEM too. Her work and life is featured in this month’s edition of the Australian Women’s Weekly as part of the 2019 Women of the Future awards.
Investing in cutting-edge offline protection
We understand the importance of Loy Yang A to Victoria’s electricity supply and that’s why we’re embracing the best tech to maintain and preserve Unit 2 during repairs.
Supporting country women
As an essential service provider, with most of our operational sites in regional and country areas, AGL is committed to supporting our farmers. We’ve partnered with the University of the Sunshine Coast and Lifeline to bring to life real stories of country women living through drought and adversity.
Pumping infrastructure for Loy Yang
Next month AGL Loy Yang will complete DWPS11 – a fire control and pumping system for the Loy Yang mine capable of moving an Olympic pool’s worth of water 300m high in 15 minutes. Find out how this innovation was managed.
Firm support for an evolving energy mix
The energy market is changing – and we need to take the lead and look at what energy mix will suit the dynamics of the market. We’re taking a look at the role of firming capacity to support that mix.
Spotlight On: Newcastle Gas Storage Facility
The Newcastle Gas Storage Facility is a crucial piece of energy infrastructure in NSW, delivering a stable and reliable supply of gas to meet ever-changing demand in the region.
Follow your dreams – no matter what
Graduate electrical engineer Junieta Sequeira knew she wanted to be an engineer – and chased that dream, despite the protestations of her family and friends. Now she’s championing diversity at AGL.
Scalable solar: a solution for remote locations?
AGL recently finished a 2.12 MW solar facility at Santos’ Port Bonython hydrocarbon processing facility in South Australia. The modular, bespoke solution is an interesting example for other organisations with remote operations.
Collaborative hydrogen project progressing
The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain project is a major collaboration between leading Australian and Japanese companies, and the Victorian, Australian and Japanese Governments.
Engaging the community on what matters to them
Our Staying Connected program is for the benefit of vulnerable customers but it’s only going to be of benefit, if the community is aware of it. That’s why we proactively engage on the issues that matter to our customers, like last week’s ConnectEd session hosted by Uniting Communities in SA which was translated into four different languages.
From glitch to glory: lighting up Sydney 2000
It’s one of the most iconic scenes in Australian sporting history – but a heart-stopping glitch added some extra drama to the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony. Find out how a small group of AGL engineers were involved in this infamous moment.
Keep on trucking to peaking power
Keep on trucking! The first of three massive transformers arrive at the Barker Inlet Power Station, which when complete later this year will provide quickstart peaking power and grid stability for South Australia.
Powering Pride in Gippsland
The Gippsland Pride Cup is in its third year – and more exciting and popular than ever before. Especially in regional areas, sports clubs are places where young people can feel a real sense of belonging – and it’s vital to support that.
Why we’re taking action to address family and domestic violence
When it comes to family and domestic violence, we refuse to be bystanders. We are committed to leading by example and changing normal so we can address this devastating issue.
Giving customers greater control with Energy Alerts
Want to keep on top of your energy usage with your voice? You can now link your AGL account to Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant and enable notifications.
Take a look at the Silverton Wind Farm
The 200MW Silverton Wind Farm is almost finished. Get up close and personal with an exclusive drive – and fly – through the wind farm.
Change normal: Molly’s path to AGL
Electrician Molly Miller’s gone from being daunted by her all-male classes – to inspiring other young women to consider careers in STEM. Read more about her inspirational story.
Component arrives for Coopers Gap
Coopers Gap Wind Farm Project recently saw the largest and heaviest section of the 3.8MW tower arrive at site. This section of the tower weighs 77 tonnes, has a diameter of 5 metres and is 13.6 metres long.
Explainer: the National Electricity Market
Imagine 40,000 km of electricity lines and cables – more than three times the diameter of the Earth – spreading from Port Douglas in Far North Queensland down to Hobart in Tasmania and west into Port Lincoln in South Australia.
Solar powered Easter eggs
We all know about (and expect) the increased energy that comes with eating chocolate, but have you ever thought about the amount of energy it takes to make it? It takes a lot of cooling to keep Easter eggs at the perfect eating temperature. That’s why Heritage Fine Chocolates (now Darrell Lea Chocolates), have installed AGL solar panels at their Rowville factory - reducing their energy costs and emissions.
Flexing supply
How is our portfolio evolving to meet changes in demand and technology? Peaking power, like the proposed Kanmantoo Pumped Hydro project can be flexible and responsive to demand – providing extra energy when it’s needed most.
Evolving and expanding: Big battery performing well
One of the big questions with renewables is, what happens when the sun’s not shining and the wind’s not blowing? Flexible and firming energy sources like large-scale battery storage is the answer.
A priceless experience
Working flexibly and taking the parental leave available to you could be one of the best things you ever do! We’re proud to share how our very own Mark Ferris has embraced his important role at home and at work.
Using data to make better decisions
Data and analytics are critical for AGL’s success – in enabling growth opportunities, building trust and helping us respond to an industry that is always changing, where technology is transforming the way customers engage with us.
Working in Silverton, for Silverton
As operators of the Silverton Wind Farm, we’re proud members of the community. The 200 MW Silverton Wind Farm project, owned by the Powering Australian Renewables Fund, had the last blade installed on the final turbine on 27 February.
Better the balance, better the world
#IWD offers us the opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. This year, the day calls for us to accelerate towards gender balance, with the theme #BalanceforBetter.
Progressing our lighting efficiency upgrade on site
Last year we committed $11m to Stage 1 of large-scale lighting upgrade across AGL’s operating facilities. Once complete, we expect the whole project to reduce our carbon impact by 35,000 tCO2e/y – that’s the equivalent of taking over 10,500 cars off the road for a year.
Recognising a local hero
We’re committed the safety of our people and the communities we operate in. This responsibility for community safety shone through one rainy day last year, when our Production Operator at Camden, Blake Collins, rescued a family involved in a car accident.
Prepping our sites for peak period
During those really hot days in Summer, energy demand hits its peak. To help maintain safe, sustainable and reliable energy for our customers and the community, we recently made a number of upgrades on site.
Supporting what matters to our communities
AGL’s Camden Gas Project Local Community Investment Program invests funds back into the community, for the community. Supporting community initiatives, projects and events that matter to the people in the Macarthur.
A history fuelled by innovation
Proudly Australian for over 180 years, we’re committed to providing safe, sustainable and affordable energy. And with an innovative spirit fuelling our journey, we’ll keep working hard to meet the needs of our customers and the community
How does flexibility work for you?
A flexible workplace fosters innovation, and better reflects the needs and priorities of the community and our customers. We’re proud to share how our very own Nichola Miles has embraced workplace flexibility.
How large scale batteries are charging up an energy mix
Operated by AGL, the ElectraNet 30 MW large-scale battery will enhance SA energy security, by supplying stored-energy during peak periods or whenever renewables aren't available.
Trading sunshine with AGL Solar Exchange
While Australia is leading the way in the installation of rooftop solar systems, there are many people who can’t put panels on their roof. This could be because they are renting, living in an apartment or a home without a suitable roof, or there may be financial constraints preventing the investment.
How energy retailers can be disruptors too
AGL was recently recognised at the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Digital Disruptor Awards for delivering industry-leading digital experiences, products and services for our customers.
Planning ahead and collaboration are the ingredients for a strong future
No forced redundancies’ is a commitment we’ve made to our people at Liddell as we work towards its long-planned retirement in 2022. For us, long-term planning and making sure our people and the community are supported in the transition is not negotiable.
10 years of research into carbon capture
The transition to a low carbon future will require a range of solutions and this is why we are proud to partner with CSIRO and others in carbon capture research over the past 10 years. But what does this have to do with tomatoes?
Rewarding and harnessing the collective power of customers
The Peak Energy Rewards programs kicks in during periods of high demand. Offering a financial incentive for customers to electively reduce their electricity consumption for short periods of time to collectively lessen the load on the electricity grid.
One Stop, One Story Vulnerability Hub
The ‘One Stop, One Story Vulnerability Hub’ acts as a connector, bringing the available support to the person rather than them having to seek it through complex pathways, over and over again.
Transforming to a renewable hub
Our commitment to a progressive energy future is as evident as ever in Broken Hill and Silverton where the city has transformed to a renewable energy hub. A heritage city that used to mine the earth, is now mining the sun and wind for energy.
AGL's contribution to the National Electricity Market
The National Electricity Market (NEM) is a wholesale energy market which transports electricity from power stations to consumers and large industrial users. As detailed in ‘The Health of the National Electricity Market’ late last year, across the NEM, the mix of generators is changing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Liddell Power Station
Liddell Power Station reaches the end of its technical life in 2022 and can be replaced with the latest technology at a lower cost than trying to keep the plant running.
Broken Hill Solar Plant viewing platform opens
Timothy’s design not only makes a valuable and lasting contribution to the artistic and cultural landscape of Broken Hill, but also helps to showcase the importance of renewables in the NSW energy mix.
AGL Energy Insights
Enabling customers to take control of their energy use is a positive step in the innovation of energy retail.
Can you build a new coal-fired power station for less than a renewable, gas and storage mix?
AGL has developed a plan to use a mix of renewables, gas and storage to replace the energy produced by Liddell Power Station before its 2022...
Why an energy mix makes more sense than new coal
While carbon risk is a reality that every business needs to assess, the closure of Liddell Power Station and the selection of a mixture of energy...
Rehabilitating our assets
As outlined in our 2017 Sustainability Report, our approach to the rehabilitation of assets is guided by three underlying principles.
AGL Coopers Gap Wind Farm steps closer
AGL Coopers Gap Wind Farm project manager, Evan Carless, said this was a very encouraging milestone for the project.
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Construction to begin at Silverton wind farm
Construction at AGL's 200 MW Silverton wind farm is now set to begin, after a successful sale into the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF).
Proudly Powering Diversity
AGL is proud to announce a new three year partnership with Midsumma to help shine the light on Victoria's diverse gender and sexuality communities.
Silverton Wind Farm gets green light
In a major step forward for AGL's Silverton Wind Farm project, the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) has approved the construction of the wind farm. The independent PAC approved AGL's Modification 3 application, which takes advantage of advancements in wind turbine technology, reducing the number of wind turbines required to be built.