Sixty wind turbines capable of producing 336 megawatts of power have been earmarked for land outside of Muswellbrook.
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The $569 million project by renewable energy company Epuron is the latest in a torrent of green energy projects proposed for the Hunter.
The 17,000 hectare project area transverses the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter local government areas.
Turbines would be constructed at Bowmans Creek, Goorangoola, Greenlands, Hebden, McCullys Gap, Muscle Creek and Rouchel Brook.
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The company has been researching the project since 2017. It's monitoring found the area, which primarily consists of beef cattle grazing land, was among the most suitable locations in the region for a wind farm.
"Prevailing winds are from the south-east in summer, north-west in winter and from both directions in spring and autumn. Wind speeds typically increase throughout the day with a peak in the evening period followed by a low in the early morning," an environmental impact statement for the project, which is currently on public exhibition, says.
It is estimated that the project would create up to 156 full time equivalent jobs during its 18-month construction period and 15 full time equivalent jobs over its operational life.
Epuron says the project is consistent with the aims of the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, which was created late last year as part of the State Government's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
"The Hunter Region produces approximately 44 per cent of the power generated in NSW. With the closure of Liddell and Bayswater power stations, it is necessary to transform the regional energy sector," the environmental impact statement says.
"The Hunter Region has the solar, wind and geothermal resources required for the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. As such, the Hunter Region has the potential to become a major renewable energy hub."
Epuron argues the project would not impact on conservation areas or tourism facilities.
"Where impacts to land of high scenic value were identified, adequate mitigation measures for residual impacts have been committed to by the proponent," the EIS says.
However, the Stop The Spin Hunter Valley group says the 220 metre tall turbines would have significant detrimental environmental and health impacts.
"Wind farms require a lot of carbon dioxide-emitting concrete, steel, aluminum, plastics, rare earth, and other materials. They disturb natural airflows," the group's Facebook page says.
"They impair human health while generating relatively little electricity at low capacity and high cost. Dead turbine blades overwhelm landfills."
The Environmental Impact Statement will be on exhibition until Tuesday May 11, 2021.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
