170m Chimneys Come Crashing Down as Power Station Demolition Begins

Two 170-metre chimneys at the former Liddell Power Station in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, were brought down in a controlled demolition last week, bringing an end to more than half a century of coal-fired electricity generation. The demolition, which took about 20 seconds, was the culmination of 18 months of careful planning, according to AGL, the power station's owner and operator.

The Controlled Blast

AGL's general manager of site transition, Brad Williams, told multiple reporters that the process was similar to felling a tree, "rather than using an axe, we use explosives." In this case, about 700 holes were drilled in the base of each chimney and packed with a small amount of explosives, averaging 260 kilograms per tower. Triangular sections were cut into one side to act as hinges, and the reinforcement at the base and rear was severed. Williams noted that the actual explosion lasted 10 seconds, though "an awful lot of work" had gone into ensuring it was done safely.

A 1-kilometer exclusion zone was enforced around the blast site. To minimize dust, charges were placed beneath about 40 pre-filled paddling pools, according to AGL's planning documents obtained by ABC Australia. The explosion left roughly 14,000 tonnes of concrete rubble on site.

The power station was among the 1 per cent of power stations in the world to have operated for more than 50 years. The two chimneys had been a prominent feature of the Hunter's landscape for decades.

An Era Ends; A New Chapter Begins

The Liddell Power Station was retired in 2023 after 52 years of operation. The demolition of the chimneys marks a significant moment for the community and workers, many of whom spent their entire careers at the plant. Steve Lanesbury, a former employee of 44 years, told a local outlet that the feelings were strong. "The emotions are pretty raw. It's like someone with a terminal illness. We put her on life support back in 2023 … and the stacks coming down, that's the signal that this is the end."

Williams acknowledged the transition as a "bittersweet moment" for many. "These stacks have been an icon for the site, the region, and the community for a number of decades, especially for our former employees," he said. However, he also emphasised the site's future as a hub for industrial energy. "Bringing these stacks down really does signify a move into opening the site for reuse ... new jobs, new opportunities, and new developments."

Transition to an Industrial Energy Hub

AGL has plans to transform the 1000-hectare site into a low-carbon industrial energy hub. The site is now being fitted with a 500-megawatt battery system currently being commissioned, as reported by multiple sources. The battery will help store energy from renewable sources and provide grid stability.

In 2024, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the property to announce a $1 billion program intended to increase the number of solar panels manufactured in Australia. The program supports the creation of a solar panel manufacturing facility at the site, potentially by combining imported cells with local materials, creating up to 500 new jobs.

Looking Ahead

While Liddell's chimneys are now gone, the nearby Bayswater Power Station is also expected to close in 2033, though AGL has not yet provided specific plans. According to one source, the Liddell site is being redeveloped for renewable energy manufacturing and storage, noting that the demolition of the chimneys was a step toward a future powered by cleaner energy.

Key Claims

  • The Liddell Power Station's two 170-metre chimneys were demolished in a controlled explosion, as reported by multiple sources.
  • About 700 holes were drilled in each chimney and packed with explosives, according to AGL and reported by multiple sources.
  • A 1-kilometer exclusion zone was enforced around the blast site, as reported by one source.
  • The explosion left about 14,000 tonnes of concrete rubble, as reported by one source.
  • The power station was retired in 2023 after 52 years of operation, per multiple sources.
  • The site is being transitioned into a future industrial energy hub, with a 500-megawatt battery being commissioned, as per multiple sources.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Liddell site in 2024 to announce a $1 billion program aimed at boosting solar panel manufacturing in Australia, as reported by multiple sources.
  • The neighboring Bayswater Power Station is due to close in 2033, as reported by a single source.
  • The power station was among the 1 per cent of power stations in the world to have operated for more than 50 years, as reported by one source.

Perspectives

The demolition has been framed by AGL as a positive step toward a clean-energy future, focusing on redevelopment and new employment opportunities. Former employees and community members express a bittersweet sentiment, mourning the loss of an iconic landmark but also acknowledging the potential for renewal. Government officials have linked the site's redevelopment to broader national goals for renewable energy and domestic solar manufacturing, as evidenced by the Prime Minister's visit and program announcement. There is no mention in the source material of any environmentalist reactions, and thus none are included here.