Two pumped hydro energy projects in NSW worth $7 billion have been put on the fast-track for ministerial approval with no right of appeal.
The projects are the $3.5bn Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Burragorang (which could power 500,000 homes) and the $3.6bn Yarrabin (Phoenix) Pumped Hydro Project near Mudgee (600,000 homes).
The hydro projects have both been declared “Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI)” projects which means the planning minister will make the final call with no third-party appeal rights.
Click here for a PDG guide to the process.
Energy and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe argues that “these projects will help stabilise the power grid, support energy reliability during peak demand and underpin the transition away from coal‑fired power”.
“Long‑duration storage like pumped hydro is essential to building a modern energy system that works for households, businesses and industry across NSW,” she says.
HYDRO SUPPLY
Planning Minister Paul Scully says the projects can generate enough energy to power every home in Greater Perth even during peak demand.
“These projects are part of a strong pipeline of renewable energy proposals that shows industry confidence in our planning system and our commitment to delivering the infrastructure NSW needs for a clean energy future.”
Water Minister Rose Jackson says WaterNSW has already carried out early assessments to ensure these projects won’t impact water security or quality.
“We will continue to do analysis regularly, to help inform the planning and assessment processes,” she says.
Both projects are still in the early planning stages and are located on WaterNSW land. The plans will go on public display and will be open to comment, the government says.
ENERGY PROJECTS
Since 2023, the government says, it has approved 44 renewable energy projects that are capable of powering 5.2 million homes.
More than 50 renewable energy, storage and transmission projects under currently being assessed; if approved, these 13.5 GW of generation projects could power another six million homes.
Another 196 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects are in the planning pipeline.
