Thousands of NSW households are a step closer to accessing clean and reliable electricity after the first stage of the $300 million Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion project was approved by the NSW Government.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, announced geological works for the major upgrade have been given the go ahead.
“This transformative project on the South Coast has the potential to significantly boost energy security in NSW, while also delivering renewable power to consumers across the state,” Mr Stokes said.
“The upgrade would see an additional 235MW of clean energy generated, bringing the site’s total output to 475MW, or enough energy to power 160,000 homes.”
The expansion of Shoalhaven Hydro was declared a Critical State Significant Infrastructure project in late 2018.
Energy and Environment Minister, Matt Kean, said the project would help the NSW Government achieve its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
“The Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion project would go a long way in helping NSW transition to a clean energy future,” Mr Kean said.
“Pumped hydro stations act like a battery. They provide firm energy when intermittent sources of power like solar and wind are offline.”
The applicant, Origin Energy, will now need to submit an Environmental Impact Statement to the NSW Government before the main upgrade works, involving the construction of a hydroelectric pump and power station, can begin.
