In line with the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) updated forecasts, the Western Australian Government has announced that Unit 6 at Muja C Power Station will be operational during the 2024-25 peak demand period to provide energy system security during summer.
From 1 October 2024 to 1 April 2025, Synergy’s Unit 6 in Collie will be in reserve outage mode.
In reserve outage mode, AEMO can request that Unit 6 be made available for significant peak demand situations with three days’ notice.
“The Cook Government is adapting to the changing energy landscape to ensure a secure energy supply for residents,” Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
Minister Johnston stated placing Unit 6 at Muja in reserve outage mode will enable the unit to be called on if necessary during high-demand periods.
“Western Australia has the most remote stand-alone energy system in the world and the supply of reliable electricity to residents is the highest priority,” the Minister added.
“This will have minimal impact on Synergy staff and contractors working at Muja Power Station, where around five staff will be affected,” he continued.
According to the State Government, this will not impact Western Australia’s planned retirement of its remaining coal-fired units by 2030, with the Collie and Muja Power Stations set to close in 2027 and 2029, respectively.
Unit 6 at Muja C Power Station was formerly slated to be decommissioned in October 2024 as part of the State Government’s phased transition to retire all State coal-fired power stations by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
