These fossil fuel power stations burn coal to power steam turbines that generate some or all of the electricity they produce. Australia's fleet of coal-fired power stations is aging and many are due for decommissioning, and are being replaced by a combination of mostly renewable energy. In early 2017, 75% of the coal-fired power stations in the country were operating beyond their original design life.
The declining cost of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power and battery storage, means it is unlikely a new coal-fired power station will ever be built in Australia, which would make the 2009-commissioned Bluewaters Power Station the last coal-fired power station to be constructed in Australia. The Liddell Power Station is the latest coal-fired power station to be decommissioned, which took place on 28 April 2023.
Total (MW): 8,240
Total (MW): 8,080
Decommissioned stations
Total (MW): 4,730
Decommissioned stations
Total (MW): 1,410
Decommissioned stations
The Australian Capital Territory does not use coal or oil to generate electricity. The Kingston Powerhouse was the last coal-fired power station in the territory, but was decommissioned in 1957.
Decommissioned stations
The Northern Territory relies predominantly on natural gas, as well as various renewable energy sources. Likewise, it has no functioning coal-fired power stations.
Decommissioned stations
South Australia previously had a number of coal power stations. The last to be closed were the Northern and Playford B power stations.
Decommissioned stations
Tasmania has no functioning coal-fired power stations, instead using primarily hydroelectricity, with natural gas used as a backup.
Decommissioned stations