Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) announced it will extend the operation of all four units at its Eraring Power Station in New South Wales from Aug. 19, 2027 to April 30, 2029.
The move, notified to the Australian Energy Market Operator, aims to support energy supply and system security during the transition to renewable energy.
Origin CEO Frank Calabria said the decision was based on customer needs, market conditions, and the plant’s critical role in the NSW energy system.
He noted that while progress is being made on renewable projects and major transmission works, Eraring will need to operate longer to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
The extension will not impact Origin's 2030 emissions targets or its long-term goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
The company has invested heavily in maintaining Eraring's four units but does not plan further major overhauls before the plant's scheduled closure in April 2029, consistent with an agreement with the NSW Government.
Origin will continue supporting employees through its Future Directions program, which has funded over 500 training courses, and maintain the $5 million Eraring Community Fund, which has already committed nearly $1.5 million to 47 local projects.
Looking ahead, the Eraring site will remain a key part of the National Electricity Market.
The Eraring Battery, which began commercial operations in late 2025, is expected to deliver 700MW / 3,160MWh of storage capacity once all stages are completed by early 2027.
Eraring Power Station, a 2,880MW coal-fired plant on the shores of Lake Macquarie, became fully operational in 1984 and had previously targeted closure as early as August 2027.