Project

Thunderbolt Energy Hub

PROJECT STATUS
Prospective
Thunderbolt Energy Hub

The Thunderbolt Energy Hub was proposed to be a hybrid renewable energy project combining around 380 megawatts (MW) of wind, 120 MW of solar generation and a 400 MW battery. The project is to be located in the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The project was initially divided into two sections:

  •   the 120 MW solar farm and 400 MW battery, and
  •   the 380 MW wind farm.

However, the project scope changed in October 2021, with Neoen proposing to deliver the project in two stages:

  • Stage One: 192 MW of wind energy, equivalent to 32 wind turbines, located to the north-west of the New England Highway.
  • Stage Two: 150 MW of wind energy, equivalent to 25 turbines and the 120 MW solar farm, located to the south-east of the New England Highway.

Key Dates

Dec 2020 Project Announcement

Financing

The project is being developed and financed by Neoen.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Neoen

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment of the project.
Oct 2021 Neoen proposed to deliver the project in two stages. Stage One will include properties to the north-west of the New England Highway. The size of Stage One is proposed to be 192 MW of wind energy, equivalent to 32 wind turbines. Stage Two is proposed to include properties to the south-east of the New England Highway. The size of Stage Two is proposed to be 150 MW of wind energy, equivalent to 25 wind turbines and include the 120 MW solar farm.
Nov 2021 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment accepted the project changes noting that the SEARs issued in December 2020 is sufficient for preparing an EIS for Stage One but stated that a separate Scoping Report and request for SEARs must be submitted for Stage Two.
Major Contract

Thunderbolt Energy Hub - Stage Two

PROJECT STATUS
Prospective
Thunderbolt Energy Hub - Stage Two

Thunderbolt Energy Hub – Stage Two will include properties to the south-east of the New England Highway. The size of Stage Two is proposed to be 150 MW of wind energy, equivalent to 25 wind turbines and may also include the 120 MW solar farm.

Financing

The project is being developed and financed by Neoen.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Neoen

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements were issued for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Project website
Thunderbolt Energy Hub
Major Contract

Thunderbolt Energy Hub - Stage One

PROJECT STATUS
Prospective
Thunderbolt Energy Hub - Stage One

Thunderbolt Energy Hub – Stage One will include properties to the north-west of the New England Highway and will be focused on wind energy. The size of Stage One is proposed to be 192 MW of wind energy, equivalent to 32 wind turbines.

Financing

The project is being developed and financed by Neoen

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Neoen

PROJECT HISTORY

Dec 2020 The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment issued the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements for the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment.
Nov 2021 SEARs issued by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for Stage One, taking scope changes into account.
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Project website
Thunderbolt Energy Hub