Plans to build a $600 million gas-fired power plant in the Hunter have officially been given the green light.
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison confirmed the news this morning, saying the project will be built at the site of the former Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter.
It’s set to generate 660 megawatts of power, which will be used to offset the loss of energy from the Liddell Power Station when it closes in 2023.
The PM had threatened to build the project last year if the private sector didn’t come up with a plan to bridge the gap.
Energy Australia has announced plans for a similar project in the Illawarra, but Scott Morrison says the gas plant at Kurri will work hand-in-hand with that project to drive down power prices.
“It increases the supply of reliable energy and when you’ve got Liddell coming out at some 1000 megawatts, we need 1000 to come on [to the grid]” he said.
“Industry has delivered around 330 megawatts and this puts the balance of 660 megawatts back into the system to make sure we keep that downward pressure on power prices.”
He also said the project is a big win for jobs in the region.
“It’s going to bring with it some 600 new jobs during peak construction, and another 1200 indirect jobs across the state.”