The New South Wales Government in Australia has approved the first stage of the $300 million Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion project, with the geological works for the major upgrade getting the green light.
The expansion of Shoalhaven Hydro was declared a Critical State Significant Infrastructure project late last year. It will see an additional 235MW of hydropower generated, bringing the site’s total output to 475MW.
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,” he said.
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.
