NEW analysis from the National Pollutant Inventory reveals toxic emissions from AGL’s Bayswater power station have increased since the company took over the ailing generator in September 2014.
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According to 350.org, comparing 2013-14 emission levels from Bayswater – located between Muswellbrook and Singleton – to the most recent figures of 2014-15, sulphur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and mercury emissions all rose in both total emissions, and intensity per megawatt generated.
“It’s startling to see how significantly the air pollution from Bayswater has risen in the year AGL took control,” campaigner Josh Creaser said.
“It really undermines AGL’s marketing as a clean and green company.
“These toxic emissions are risky for workers, communities and the local environment.”
Mr Creaser said Bayswater generated 10 per cent more power in 2014-15 than in the previous year, so it was logical that emissions levels would rise.
“But, the company emitted significantly more toxic pollutants per unit of energy produced as well, indicating the old and inefficient coal-fired power plant is getting worse,” he added.
“AGL intends to keep operating Bayswater until 2035 and hang on to other coal power until 2050.
“This is not good enough, given its huge greenhouse emissions, which are fueling climate change, and these insidious pollutants, which are known health risks.”
People from throughout the country gathered outside AGL’s annual general meeting in Sydney on Wednesday, calling on the company to come up with a fair and fast transition to 100 per cent renewable energy.
“We want AGL to bring a strategy to its 2017 AGM that shows how it will transition away from fossil fuels by 2025,” Mr Creaser said.
An AGL spokesperson said Bayswater power station operated in compliance with licence conditions set by the NSW EPA, and national air quality guidelines that were designed to ensure air quality was maintained and public health was protected.
“The increase in emissions data contained in the recent NPI report is the result of improved emissions reporting since AGL Energy acquired Bayswater and Liddell power stations,” he said.
“In addition, AGL has identified and implemented operating and maintenance efficiencies that will result in a reduction in emissions, which will be evident in the FY16 NPI report.”
Key data
Comparing 2013-14 emission levels from Bayswater to the most recent figures (2014-15)
- * Sulphur dioxide emissions have increased 28.8% from 59 million to 76 million kilograms
- * Hydrochloric acid emissions are up 96% to 1.8 million kilograms
- * Fine particle pollution (PM2.5) rose 85% to 240,000 kilograms
- * Mercury emissions rose 14% from 210 kilograms to 240 kilograms, part of a long term trend that has seen a 458% increase in just three years
Comparing 2013-14 emission levels intensity from Bayswater to the most recent figures (2014-15)
- * Sulphur dioxide intensity up 17%
- * Hydrochloric acid emissions intensity up 78%
- * PM2.5s particulate matter emissions intensity up 68%
- * Mercury emissions intensity up 4%
