¶ DECOMMISSIONING activities are underway at Muja Power Station’s Muja C Unit 6 generator.
A Synergy spokesperson confirmed the unit was retired on April 1, however did not directly address a query about whether it could potentially be brought out of retirement in the future.
“Decommissioning activities have now commenced,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also confirmed that the unit was not in operation during the heatwave conditions from March 24 to 28.
Closure of the unit was originally planned for October 1, 2024.
However, it was instead placed into reserve outage mode and its retirement pushed back six months, ensuring availability during the 2024-25 high-demand period.
The unit was harnessed on a number of occasions over summer to cater for increased demand, including three days in December and 10 days in January.
Concerns have been raised about power capacity and the ability to meet the State Government’s Just Transition coal-fired power plant deadlines.
Shadow Energy Minister Dr Steve Thomas previously noted Unit 6 had been heavily relied on during periods of peak demand this summer.
Federal member for O’Connor Rick Wilson last week said the Just Transition target of closing down Muja Power Station by 2029 is untenable.