The federal government confirmed this morning it will build a $600-million gas fired power station at Kurri Kurri.
The 660 megawatt generator will be built on the former Hydro aluminium smelter site.
Scott Morrison first flagged the project last year, in his first visit to the Hunter as Prime Minister, saying power prices could rise by 30% in New South Wales if energy companies couldn’t fill the 1000-megawatt gap left by the closure of Liddell in 2023.
The Hunter Power Project will create 600 jobs in the region at the peak of its construction phase.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor says the Government had given the private sector every opportunity but is now pushing on to fulfil its promise to deliver the cheap and reliable power.
“Cheap power is crucial to ensuring families, businesses and job-creating industries in NSW can thrive, which is why we are committed to replacing the energy generated by Liddell to keep prices down,” Minister Taylor said.
“This important project is good news for NSW as well as the broader National Electricity Market.
“We were very clear from the start – we will not stand by and watch prices go up and the lights go off. This project will deliver flexible gas generation to replace Liddell and maintain reliable power alongside Australia’s world-leading investment in renewables.”
Reporter Madison Scott will have the details in NBN News tonight at 6.
