Hunter Power Project (HPP) is set to begin operations in December 2024 with one generator running on diesel during the testing and commissioning phase.
The second unit and gas introduction will follow shortly, with full operations expected within a few months.
While the project’s planning modification has proposed increasing diesel operating hours to 1,100 per unit for 2025, Snowy Hydro does not currently expect HPP to operate entirely on diesel in 2025. The purpose of the modification is to provide for the current anticipated completion of the gas pipeline to March 2025 plus appropriate program contingency to ensure the power station can still generate energy in the event of any further delays to the gas pipeline or to the project’s commissioning program.
HPP’s gas pipeline is being delivered by APA Group and is independent of Snowy Hydro’s delivery of the power station.
Snowy Hydro has updated some of the information submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Previously some of the information was inaccurate and did not accurately reflect our intentions around contingency planning being one of the drivers of the modification.
Once fully operational, HPP will primarily run on gas, using diesel as backup. Gas remains crucial for meeting peak demand and supporting Australia’s renewable energy transition.