Australia gives largest coal power plant two-year lifeline

SYDNEY, Australia—Sun-soaked Australia's lofty renewable energy ambitions were given a harsh reality check on Thursday, as looming electricity shortfalls delayed the long-awaited shutdown of the country's largest coal-fired power plant.

The hulking, heavily polluting Eraring power plant — about a two-hour drive north of Sydney — was slated for closure in 2025 but will be kept ticking over for at least two more years while renewables are ramped up.