CS Energy CEO Darren Busine and Callide Power Station general manager Mick Hill have reportedly stepped down following an explosion caused by a clinker incident in Callide Unit C3, which has taken the generator offline until late May.
It’s the latest in a spate of critical incidents at the Queensland coal-fired power plant, with Energy Minister David Janetzki now under fire for failing to mention the unit was offline in a speech that spruiked the role of coal in the LNP Government’s new energy plan.
Related article: Clinker incident takes out Callide Unit C3 in Queensland
The new five-year energy plan hinges on coal and gas, with plans to refurbish both Callide and Tarong coal-fired power stations.
Janetzki accused state-owned CS Energy of failing “to communicate the seriousness of the incident” on April 4, despite admitting to being briefed on the situation.
Just days before, Mr Janetzki had said he was briefed on what happened and that it was “publicly available information”.
This incident comes after Callide C4 unit being offline for more than three years following a catastrophic explosion in 2021, estimated to have cost taxpayers nearly $50 million.
Related article: 5 Minutes With: CS Energy’s Emma Roberts
CS Energy has confirmed that executive general manager customer and growth Emma Roberts has been appointed as acting CEO.
It said acting arrangements for the Callide Power Station general manager role would be confirmed shortly.
