Project

Thunderbolt Energy Hub

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Thunderbolt Energy Hub

The Thunderbolt Energy Hub, proposed by Neoen, would be a 380 megawatt (MW) wind energy project 

The project is being delivered across two stages:

  • Stage One: 192 MW of wind generation comprising 32 wind turbines, located to the north-west of the New England Highway.
  • Stage Two: 150 MW of wind generation comprising 25 turbines, located to the south-east of the New England Highway.

On the 22nd December 2022, Neoen withdrew plans for the 120MW Solar Farm component sighting concerns within the large-scale solar market.

Key Dates

Dec 2020 Project Announcement

Financing

The project is being developed and financed by Neoen.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Neoen

PROJECT HISTORY

Nov 2020 Neoen announced the project, submitting a Scoping Report to the NSW Government requesting the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the project. The Scoping Report detailed the project delivered over two stages: Stage One included a 120-MW solar farm and 400-MW BESS, and Stage Two included a 380-MW wind farm.
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.
Dec 2022 Neoen withdrew plans for a 120-MW solar farm component of the Thunderbolt Energy Hub. Neoen cited uncertainty in the solar energy market.
May 2024 NSW Department of Planning and Environment granted development consent to the project.
Major Contract

Thunderbolt Energy Hub - Stage One

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Thunderbolt Energy Hub - Stage One

The Thunderbolt Energy Hub is a proposed wind farm project combining around 380 megawatts (MW) of wind, to be delivered across two stages. The project is located in the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

Stage One is expected to comprise a 230-MW wind farm on properties to the north-west of the New England Highway. The project is permitted for up to 32 Wind Turbine Generators, with a maximum tip height of 260m. Each turbine well generate between six and seven MW.

Financing

The project is being developed and financed by Neoen

The Federal Government will provide revenue underwriting for the project through a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement.

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.
May 2024 The NSW Government granted development consent for Stage One of the project, comprising up to 32 wind turbines.
Dec 2024 The project was selected as part of the Federal Government's first Capacity Investment Scheme Tender Round. The Federal Government will provide revenue underwriting for the project through a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement. The scope of Stage One was also increase from 192 megawatts to 230 megawatts.
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.

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.
Dec 2022 Neoen announced it had withdrawn its plans for a 120-MW solar farm component of the Thunderbolt Energy Hub, citing uncertainty in the solar energy market.
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources