Electricity Generation

During 2007/08, AGL significantly increased the capacity of our renewable and low emission generation portfolio. AGL’s portfolio of gas-fired power generation increased from 342 MW in 2006/07 to 1,442 MW in 2007/08 with AGL taking operational control of the Torrens Island Power Station (TIPS) from 2 July 2007.  AGL also operated the Somerton Power Station (150 MW capacity peaking plant) and the Moranbah Power Station (12 MW capacity intermediate plant) over the year.

In 2007/08, over 90% of AGL’s greenhouse gas emissions resulted from the operation of our gas-fired electricity generation assets.  For 2007/08, sent out generation from TIPS increased from 2,566 GWh in 2006/07 to 3,120 GWh.  Whilst AGL took operational control from 2 July 2007, greenhouse gas emissions increased over the period by a similar magnitude as a result of the increased generation.  Greenhouse gas emissions at TIPS are managed as part of the overall Plant Efficiency and Performance Management System which coordinates operational and maintenance opportunities to optimise operation and effectively manage greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions from renewable generation assets are by their nature small compared to other types of generation.  AGL’s renewable generation portfolio includes the hydro generation assets and the Wattle Point Wind Farm, and recently the Hallett (Stage 1) Wind Farm.  The commissioning of the Hallett (Stage 1) Wind farm resulted in an increased in generation from AGL’s wind generation assets. As previously discussed, the lack of available water for AGL hydro generation assets resulted in a decrease in generation from these assets.  Greenhouse gas emissions from these assets are primarily Scope 2 emissions related to the import of electricity for plant start up and auxiliary power requirements.

The AGL Energy Services division, within Merchant Energy, operates a variety of ‘embedded’ generation facilities including cogeneration, landfill gas and biogas generation, biomass and bagasse generation facilities and the Wilpena Pound Solar/Diesel facility. 

During 2007/08, the figures for energy produced from the ISIS bagasse generation facility increased significantly. Due to the timing of the acquisition of this facility, there was no generation during the period of AGL ownership in 2006/07.  During 2006/07, AGL installed flares at the Woy Woy, Kincumber and Green Point landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these sites.  In June 2008, an electricity generator was installed at the Kincumber site to generate renewable energy from the landfill gas emissions.

Hydrocarbon Extractions

AGL owns the Hydrocarbon Extractions (HCE) facility at Kurnell, NSW.  HCE produces LPG and naptha from oil refinery waste gas.  HCE’s greenhouse gas emissions result from the natural gas use, electricity consumption and minor emissions associated with fugitive emissions at the site.  Greenhouse gas emissions increased relative to 2006/07, as a result of a 17% increase in the production of LPG.

Camden Gas Project

AGL has a 50 percent joint venture with Sydney Gas in the Camden Gas Project in New South Wales.  AGL operates the joint venture, and therefore is deemed to have operational control over the facility and includes greenhouse gas emissions within the AGL Operational Footprint. The emissions result from the use of gas at the Rosalind Park Gas Plant and fugitive emissions associated with drilling, fraccing and maintenance of coal seam gas wells.

Retail and Corporate Services

AGL manage a number of office-type facilities where our staff carry out services related to the provision of gas and electricity to our customers, and provide corporate services to support the broader business.  Activities included in this data include electricity use and transport (vehicle and air travel). AGL has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.

AGL have collated data on waste disposal from the company in our Environment Footprint, and the equivalent greenhouse gas emissions are included here.