Acland Mine Approval, page-97

AUST today:
Snowy delay puts focus on coal
ENERGY MINISTER WARNS OF ‘SERIOUSLY CHALLENGING’ SITUATION

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has warned further delays to Snowy Hydro 2.0 presents a “seriously challenging” situation for the government, reinforcing the need for “close and ongoing” talks with Origin Energy over the closure of the nation’s largest coalfired power station.

After a series of mishaps, Snowy Hydro chief executive Dennis Barnes announced on Wednesday that the multibilliondollar Snowy Hydro project would only be fully operational by the end of 2029, with the earliest possible start date now the second half of 2028. Forecast to power up in August 2025, the delays have thrust the lifespan of the 2880-megawatt Eraring power station, which provides about a quarter of NSW’s energy needs, back into the spotlight.

Ms Sharpe said she was seeking urgent advice as to what changes may be enforced as a consequence of the delays, but again underlined the importance of Eraring, about 120km north of Sydney.

“The delays on Snowy 2.0 are seriously challenging and make the need to ensure renewables, transmission, firming and storage is put in place as soon as possible even more urgent,” she said. “The delays also mean there is the need for close and ongoing discussions between Origin and the government about the pending closure of Eraring.

“The NSW government has made it clear, we will not allow households and businesses to not have enough energy. We will explore every option to keep the lights on as the NSW electricity system adapts and transitions.”