Two concrete chimney stacks at the Liddell power station were demolished in a controlled explosion on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 [1].
The demolition marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the site near Muswellbrook, New South Wales, following the closure of the coal-fired facility [1]. This transition reflects broader shifts in the Australian energy landscape as the country moves away from coal-dependent power generation.
The operation targeted two stacks [1] that had stood as landmarks for the region. Reports on the height of the structures vary slightly, with estimates ranging from 168 metres [2] to 170 metres [1]. The controlled blast was designed to bring the structures down safely to allow for the next phase of site clearing.
Owned by AGL Energy, the Liddell power station operated for more than half a century [2]. For over 50 years, the plant served as a primary source of electricity for the state, but its decommissioning became necessary as part of environmental, and infrastructure upgrades [2].
The removal of the chimneys is a critical milestone in the decommissioning process. Once the remaining heavy infrastructure is cleared, the land can be repurposed for new industrial, or energy uses. The event was witnessed by local residents and officials who monitored the blast from a safe distance to ensure the stability of the surrounding area [1].
AGL Energy is managing the demolition and subsequent site rehabilitation. The company said that the removal of these stacks is part of a wider strategy to transition the site from its coal-firing past toward a future redevelopment plan [1].
“Two concrete chimney stacks at the Liddell power station were demolished in a controlled explosion”
The demolition of the Liddell stacks symbolizes the physical end of one of Australia's longest-running coal assets. By removing these structures, AGL Energy is clearing the path for the site's transition, which aligns with national goals to reduce carbon emissions and replace aging fossil-fuel infrastructure with more sustainable energy alternatives.
