The site of the former Munmorah Power Station has been formally identified as the preferred location for the state government's Waratah Super Battery project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An EnergyCo scoping report lodged with the Department of Planning this week says a 15 hectare site previously used to stockpile coal for the power station is an ideal location for the 700 megawatt project.
The battery, which will be the largest standby network battery in the Southern Hemisphere, was declared as Critical State Significant Infrastructure last week.
The project would create up to 150 construction jobs during the approximate 18-month construction period and approximately 10-15 jobs on site once operational.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently identified the project as an "actionable NSW project", which means it considers that the project's development should start as soon as possible.
EnergyCo expects to finalise a competitive tender process to identify suitable battery developers by the end of the year.
Origin Energy is also progressing plans for a similar 700 megawatt battery project on the site of Eraring Power Station, which is due to close in 2025.
The two projects represent part of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), one of four REZ's being established across the state.
Commercial interest has been registered for more than 80 projects across the fields of solar energy, onshore and offshore wind energy, large-scale batteries and pumped hydro projects.
The projects together have the potential to deliver more than 100,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy a year - equivalent to the annual output of up to 10 coal fired power stations.
The REZ will also play a critical role in supporting heavy industry such as Tomago Aluminium, which announced this week that it would accelerate its decarbonisation push.
The company, which hopes to switch to renewable energy by 2029, will work with industry and technology partners to develop opportunities for establishing renewable power generation and energy storage projects in the region and beyond.
Modelling conducted by renewable energy advocacy group Beyond Zero Emissions found that a Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct built to complement the Hunter REZ could attract $28 billion in private investment, support 34,000 new jobs and earn $11 billion annually by 2032.
IN THE NEWS:
- The Department of Primary Industries and University of Newcastle have caught more cane toads in Lake Macquarie NSW
- Binding: Australian Pacific Coal, Trepang, Tetra and M Resources to merge for the Hunter's Dartbrook coal mine venture
- Newcastle council draft Sustainable Waste Strategy aims to double recycling rate by 2030
- 128 Newcastle applications for NSW government's Alfresco Restart rebate
- Million-dollar Ride for Compassion going 4000km from Perth to Newcastle
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Newcastle Herald website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.
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.
