The two iconic chimney stacks that shaped the skyline of Liddell Power Station in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley for more than five decades have been brought down in a controlled demolition.
Energy company AGL carried out the demolition of the two 168-metre-tall chimneys as part of a major redevelopment project at the site.
Hundreds of people watched the event live through an AGL livestream as explosives placed at the base caused the structures to collapse shortly after 11am.
The demolition marks another major step in the closure of the historic power station, with the remaining sections of the facility also set to be removed in the coming months. Authorities temporarily closed the New England Highway before the operation for safety reasons.
Liddell Power Station, located near Muswellbrook, began operating in 1971 and served for 52 years before being officially decommissioned in April 2023. Initial demolition work started in early 2024, and the site has been gradually cleared and disconnected over the past 18 months.
AGL described the demolition as a large and highly complex project that required years of planning and a specialist team to execute.
The company plans to transform the site into a new industrial energy hub, including a 500-megawatt grid-scale battery project.
Many workers from the Liddell site have moved to AGL’s Bayswater operations, while others have retired or left the company.
Liddell electrical tradesperson Jackson Channon said the demolition was an emotional moment for workers and families connected to the site. He shared that his grandfather helped build the station, while his parents also worked there, calling Liddell a place that represented a strong community and deep family ties.