The Hunter Region is fast becoming a powerhouse for large-scale renewable energy projects that will help drive the region's transition from coal to a low-carbon economy.
While several of the projects remain in the planning phase or under construction, they will ultimately offset the loss of AGL's 2000 megawatt Liddell power station, which is slated to close in 2022.
Tony Wood, Energy Program Director for the Grattan Institute told a Upper Hunter economic breakfast earlier this year that the Hunter's decision makers needed to prepare for the effects of a global shift from coal-fired electricity generation to renewable sources.
"The direction and drivers of change are clear. Less clear are the scale and rate of change in Australia over the next three decades," he said.
Among the large-scale renewable energy projects due to come on-line in the next decade are a 250 megawatt wind farm at Bowman's Creek, a 250 megawatt pumped hydro scheme at Bells Mountain, a 250 megawatt gas-fired power station at Tomago.
AGL, which is also behind the pumped hydro scheme, is preparing to lodge a development application for the gas-fired power station in mid-November.
Both projects are examples of the company's move to a renewable energy mix.
Bright future: University of Newcastle has committed to buying 100 per cent renewable energy
Read the full story by Matthew Kelly, Newcastle Herald 21st October 2019