FAQs

What is the UHEP?

The Project comprises of plans to develop a wind farm, electricity substation and a power line on site. The Project has been owned by Maven Renewable Energy Pty Ltd since 2022.

What about the powerline?

The approved overhead line route aims to reduce the distance between the wind farm and the nearest connection point, minimise the impact on vegetation and agricultural land uses, and reduce the visual impact on neighbours.

Where is the Project?

The Project will be located on Mountain Station, a private landholding situated along Bunnan Road in Owens Gap, 10-12 km west of the township of Scone in the Hunter Valley of NSW, Australia.

How long will it take to construct?

Approximately 18 months.

Why has the Project name changed?

The Project was formerly known as “Kyoto Energy Park” and was renamed Upper Hunter Energy Park in 2018, as by 2018, the original namesake (the Kyoto Protocol) was well superseded by the Paris Accord. Therefore, a name that tied the Project to the region was deemed more appropriate and decided in consultation with the Community Consultative Committee with representatives of the local residents, Upper Hunter Shire Council, and Office of Heritage.

What is the history/background of the Project?

In 1998, Scone was identified as one of 11 sites in NSW by the NSW Sustainable Energy and Development Authority (SEDA) suitable for wind farm development. In January 2007, following the Upper Hunter Shire Council amendments to the Local Environmental Plan to allow development applications for alternative forms of energy generating activities, Pamada Pty Ltd (the former Proponent) began application activities, including a commitment to community consultation with the Scone community. In January 2010, the Project gained approval. Construction work commenced on site in December 2014 with the upgrade to the access road to Mountain Station.

How many people will UHEP employ?

The Project is anticipated to support approximately 200 jobs during the construction phase activities, and 3-5 jobs during operational phase activities.

How will the Project benefit the community?

Through community consultation facilitated by the former Proponent, a series of community benefit schemes were established with the local community to enhance the quality of local life and, by doing so, comply with the conditions of approval from the Minister of Planning. These will continue to be established in the coming pre-construction period.

What are the reasons for the site selection?

The Project site was selected based on the findings of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) in 1998 that declared the site suitable for wind farm development. In 2007, the Upper Hunter Shire Council amended the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to allow renewable energy development applications, and Pamada Pty Ltd (the former Proponent) selected the site based on over 10 years of climatic data, and technical studies identifying the efficiency and price of infrastructure for overall energy output.

Where will the construction workers live?

Nearby towns offer a variety of short-stay accommodation options. We expect these existing facilities to be sufficient to support the project through the construction.

How long will the Project be operational?

25-30 years.

How is the community involved in the Project?

The community is kept informed about the Project’s progress, current design and upcoming activities via the project website, newsletter and the Community Consultative Committee. Community members can ask questions, provide feedback and contribute to discussions about local issues, community benefits and opportunities associated with the Project.

What will happen when the Project is no longer used?

Unless the components are refurbished or replaced with new available technology (subject to relevant planning approval), the project will be fully decommissioned and rehabilitated. This would include dismantling and removal of all generating components and associated infrastructure (including underground internal cabling and substation) and rehabilitation of associated disturbance areas, including access tracks. The ongoing function of the overhead line connection would be subject to normal network planning and management decisions by the network operator.

Work With Us

The Project is expected to be operational for 25+ years. This long-term commitment ensures we continue to create employment opportunities during the operating and maintenance stages of the Project.

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