The Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed $400 million Newcastle gas-fired Power Station has today been placed on public exhibition.

The NSW Government declared the project as critical State significant infrastructure in December 2018 and AGL has subsequently been conducting environmental and engineering studies to enable the lodgement of its application with the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment.

AGL CEO, Brett Redman welcomed the opportunity for the public to provide their comments on this exciting project.

“AGL is committed to investing in new generation, in order to improve the reliability of the NSW energy system and affordability for our customers,” Mr Redman said.

“This proposed power station has a capacity of 250 MW and will deliver rapidly dispatchable power for homes and businesses across NSW during periods of high demand. “As Australia’s electricity market adapts to a significant increase in renewable energy, we’re focused on our contribution to creating a secure energy system. “This project is just one of the ways AGL is looking to increase firming capacity, recently announcing the first generation of the Barker Inlet Power Station in South Australia, as well as an innovative deal to develop four large-scale batteries in NSW with Maoneng Group.

“Not only will this project improve energy security for NSW it will provide vital economic and social benefits for the region, providing employment and investment into regional NSW.

“We know new investment in regional NSW is crucial to communities continued prosperity and even more so right now as many continue to work through one of the state’s worst droughts.”

Located between Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road on a site previously permitted for a power plant in Tomago, the project will allow for a fast start operation using either reciprocating engines or gas turbines.

Public exhibition runs from Wednesday, 20th November 2019 until 18th December 2019 and all members of the community are invited to review the EIS. The EIS will be available for downloading through www.agl.com.au/NPSP and the NSW DPIE’s major projects website.