Our Project

The Upper Hunter Energy Park is an advanced renewable energy project designed to harness the natural resources of the Hunter Valley region through a combination of wind, solar, and hydro technologies. The project, located on Mountain Station, spans a utilisation area of 15-21 hectares and aims to deliver a maximum generation capacity of 113MW. The energy park’s infrastructure includes up to 18 optimised wind turbine locations ensuring a reliable and continuous energy output, tailored to meet the region’s power demands.

Originally approved in January 2010 as the Kyoto Energy Park, the project underwent significant revisions to enhance its technical and environmental performance. The current design reduces the number of wind turbines from 34 to 18, strategically positioned to optimise wind capture and minimise impact on the surrounding environment. The project also includes the relocation of key infrastructure such as the electricity substation and education and visitor centre to better align with the terrain and minimise transmission losses. The proposed adjustments underscore the project’s commitment to efficiency and environmental stewardship.

One of the key technical components of the Upper Hunter Energy Park is its sophisticated energy transmission system. The project approval includes two potential routes for connecting to the existing electricity grid: a 66-kilovolt connection to the Scone substation and a 132-kilovolt connection to the Muswellbrook substation. These connections are designed to ensure stable and efficient transmission of the generated energy to the grid, accommodating both current and future energy demands. The rerouting of the Electricity Transmission Line (ETL) within the project area is currently under feasibility study, with approval being sought through Ausgrid as the consent authority.

The project also emphasises a robust and resilient infrastructure, designed to operate efficiently under various conditions. The wind turbines are designed with state-of-the-art technology that maximises energy output while minimising maintenance requirements. Internal access roads, a maintenance shed, and temporary construction compounds are included in the plan to facilitate construction and ongoing operations. Additionally, the project’s control room and switchyard are equipped with advanced monitoring systems to ensure seamless integration and real-time management of energy production.

As the Upper Hunter Energy Park moves towards construction, the focus remains on combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. Every aspect of the project, from turbine layout to transmission line routing, is being meticulously planned and executed to ensure that the park not only meets current energy needs but also sets a benchmark for future renewable energy projects in the region. Through these efforts, the Upper Hunter Energy Park is poised to become a leader in sustainable energy production, contributing significantly to the region’s energy security and environmental goals.