The Hunter Power Project has been granted environmental approval for the Kurri Kurri gas plant, making way for the construction phase to commence.
The Kurri Kurri gas plant is a 660 MW gas-fired power plant that will provide energy for the Hunter Valley region.
The project will be delivered by integrated energy business Snowy Hydro, and according to the company, the power station will comprise two heavy-duty, open cycle gas turbines (OCGT) and the latest, most efficient turbines.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the project was approved after rigorous assessment, and was found to meet the conditions set by the New South Wales Government.
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Hunter Power Project will be essential for local businesses after the closure of the Liddell power station.
“The project is good for jobs, it’s good for business and importantly it’s good for securing affordable, reliable power,” said Minister Taylor.
“It will support up to 600 direct jobs at peak construction and 1,200 indirect jobs across NSW.”
The Federal Government is providing up to $600 million in equity to support the gas-fired power station after setting a target for an extra 1,000 MW of dispatchable energy in NSW following the Liddell closure.
The Government first announced its plans to proceed with the build in May 2021.
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