Renewable energy company Maoneng intends to build a $1.6 billion, one gigawatt solar and battery hub at Merriwa in the Upper Hunter.
Plenty of sun: An artist's impression of Maoneng's proposed $1.6 billion, one gigawatt solar and battery hub at Merriwa in the Upper Hunter.
The proposed energy hub will consist of a 550 megawatt solar farm and 400 megawatt / 1,600megawatt hour battery storage system.
Maoneng intends to lodge plans for the project, which has already attracted interest from infrastructure investors and construction groups, with the NSW Department of Planning in the near future.
The company said it expects construction of the solar farm and battery to take 18 months, create up to 500 full-time equivalent jobs during the peak of activity, and require up to 20 permanent operational staff for the 35-year life of the project.
At this stage, completion of the project is expected in 2025.
Read the full article published in the Newcastle Herald 9th May 2022