Reliability Watch monitors the National Energy Market’s fossil fuel power plants for breakdowns, particularly over the summer when generating units are vulnerable.
Who we are
Reliability Watch is a collaboration between the peak environmental bodies for Queensland and New South Wales, and Victoria that builds upon the previous Gas and Coal Watch project by The Australia Institute.
Together, we’re working to protect nature, phase out fossil fuels, and drive a just transition to a safer climate. We represent hundreds of organisations and thousands of people calling for strong environmental leadership.
Details on the model
Power station breakdowns listed on this website are based on publicly available data from the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) market management system. Our live tracking system defines a sudden unit trip (breakdown) as “when a unit is generating above its minimum generation level and falls to zero within two dispatch intervals”. This is the same definition used by AEMO in its Q4 2018 Quarterly Energy Dynamics report. Both full unit trips (where generation from a unit drops to zero) and partial unit trips (where generation falls significantly but not entirely) are identified. This approach provides a robust, independent measure of coal plant reliability and supports deeper analysis of ongoing risks to energy security and cost from ageing coal infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Can renewables provide reliable, cheaper power?
Yes. Renewables are now the cheapest new source of electricity in Australia, cheaper than coal or gas. When paired with storage and supported by smart grid technologies, they can deliver clean, reliable and affordable power. South Australia is already producing the vast majority of its electricity from wind and solar, supported by battery storage and grid connections. With the right planning and investment, Australia can move beyond coal while strengthening reliability and cutting power bills.
What could we replace coal plants with?
Australia has a wealth of cleaner, modern energy options to replace coal, including large-scale solar and wind farms and battery storage to back up renewables and support the grid. Grid upgrades move clean energy around the country more efficiently and energy efficiency programs reduce demand without affecting quality of life.
How does this affect energy prices?
When a coal plant breaks down or is taken offline, it can reduce supply, especially during peak demand, causing wholesale electricity prices to spike. Even scheduled outages can drive up prices if the system is already under pressure. This volatility in coal generation contributes to higher energy costs and makes long-term planning harder for households and businesses.
Why are coal plants unreliable?
Many coal power stations in Australia are decades old, some are over 40 years old, and they’re breaking down more often. These aging plants are increasingly prone to unexpected outages, especially during heat waves or other extreme weather events. Because coal generators take hours or days to ramp up, they can’t respond quickly to sudden changes in demand or supply, making the grid less flexible and more vulnerable to disruption.
What are the environmental impacts of coal power?
Coal-fired power stations are among Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. They also release toxic air pollutants, including mercury and fine particles that harm human health. They use large amounts of water for cooling. They also create coal ash, a waste product that can contaminate soil and water if not managed safely. They impact local environments through mining, infrastructure, and pollution.
How does electricity get to homes and businesses?
Electricity is generated at power stations and sent through high-voltage transmission lines to substations, where the voltage is reduced. From there, distribution lines carry it to homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. This vast network of poles, wires, substations and control systems is collectively known as the electricity grid.
What is the NEM?
The National Electricity Market (NEM) is Australia’s main electricity grid, covering Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. It allows electricity to be traded between states in real-time, helping get electricity to where it's needed and keeping the system balanced. It’s one of the world’s longest interconnected power systems and is currently undergoing a major shift from fossil fuels to renewables.
How many coal-fired power stations are there in Australia, and how much power do they provide?
As of 2025, Australia has 15 operating coal-fired power stations, located in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. These plants currently generate just over half of the electricity in the National Electricity Market, but this is declining rapidly as more wind, solar and battery storage comes online.
How old are Australia’s coal fired power stations?
Australia’s coal fired power stations have an average age of 35 years. Since 2000, 12 coal fired power stations have retired, at an average age of 44 years.
Where are Australia’s coal-fired power stations located?
Coal power stations are concentrated in regions close to coal mines and major grid infrastructure. Key locations include, Hunter Valley and Lithgow region in NSW, Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Central Queensland and the Darling Downs in Queensland These areas were chosen historically for their proximity to coal resources, but most of the stations are now reaching the end of their operating life.