AGL has announced that demolition work at its Torrens Island “A” Power Station in Adelaide will begin in October 2023, with McMahon Group appointed as demolition contractor.
The energy company began progressively closing the South Australian gas-fired power station in September 2020, with two units ceasing operation. This was followed by the closure of a third unit in September 2021.
The final unit closed in September 2022.
“The appointment of McMahon Services as the demolition contractor for Torrens ‘A’ Station marks another important milestone as we transition the Torrens site into a low-carbon industrial energy hub,” says AGL chief operating officer Markus Brokhof.
“Decommissioning work at the power station has been underway since the last of the four units closed in September 2022, making the site ready for the demolition phase to begin in October 2023.
“The overall demolition process will take about two years and we plan to recycle more than 90 per cent of scrap steel during this process.
“Some of key infrastructure will be retained and repurposed as the site transitions into the Torrens Energy Hub during the coming years.”
The demolition contract will involve removal of turbine hall equipment and demolition works to flue ducts and cooling water infrastructure.
“The Torrens site is a great example of the energy transition in action,” says Brokhof.
“In the past three years we have closed Torrens A power station, built a gas peaking plant, and built and opened the second largest battery in Australia, providing flexibility and storage for the South Australian energy grid.”
The Torrens Island “B” Power Station is set to close in 2026.