The Hillview Energy Hub will make a significant contribution to replacing existing coal fired generators as they retire, offsetting around 1.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Projects like the Hillview Energy Hub will ensure that New England homes and businesses have access to reliable electricity and stable energy prices.
BESS Key Facts
Status
Preparing EIS
Capacity
1000 MW/ 4000 MWh*
Investigation Area
86 ha
Connection
New England Renewable Energy Zone East Hub
* Longer durations will be assessed depending on market conditions
Solar Farm Key Facts
Status
Preparing EIS
Capacity
250–300 MW
Investigation Area
~1,000 ha
Connection
New England Renewable Energy Zone East Hub
Houses/ CO2 Avoided
150,000 houses powered 700,000 tonnes avoided
Wind Farm Key Facts
Status
Preparing Scoping Report
Capacity
200–300 MW
Investigation Area
~2,000 ha
Tip Height
Up to 270 m
Connection
New England Renewable Energy Zone East Hub
Houses/ CO2 Avoided
150,000 houses powered 700,000 tonnes avoided
The Hillview Energy Hub will deliver a balance of energy generation sources to best meet NSW future energy needs and ensure that consumers have access to reliable energy – wind energy for when the wind is blowing, solar energy for when the sun is shining, and batteries to store excess energy and release it when demand is high.
If all stages go ahead, the project could generate around 500 MW of clean electricity from the sun and wind, enough energy to power 300,000 households for 30 to 40 years.
Each of the projects that makes up the Hillview Energy Hub – battery, solar and wind – are considered state significant developments and will need to be assessed individually. This recognises that each technology has independent benefits and impacts and ensures that each project is comprehensively assessed as a standalone asset.
The New England Renewable Energy Zone is region identified by the NSW Government as an optimal location for the concentrated, coordinated development of large scale renewable energy projects to replace retiring fossil fuel generation. The New England Renewable Energy Zone delivery will be facilitated by EnergyCo. For more information on the New England Renewable Energy Zone, visit EnergyCo's website.
ACE Power will continue to work closely with the relevant government regulators, EnergyCo, and the local community to design and develop the project.
While each project that makes up the Hillview Energy Hub – battery, solar and wind – will be developed in stages, ACE Power hopes it will gain important synergies through the co-location of key renewable energy generation and storage on the one site – including the option to employ more local workers and supply businesses over a longer term and offer a greater share of project benefits to the local community.
Batteries play a critical role in Australia's electricity network, supporting the reliability of the energy network and moderating energy price fluctuation. Batteries absorb energy in the network in times of high supply and release the energy in times of high demand, allowing energy to be available when it is needed most. Often this involves soaking up excess solar energy during the middle of the day and then dispatching it into the morning and evening peak periods.
In addition to absorbing and dispatching energy, batteries ensure the safe and reliable operation of electricity supply. They help contribute to lower energy prices, relieve curtailment and constraints in the network and ensure a stable and reliable supply of energy during extreme events like storms or equipment failures.
NSW's electricity consumers will continue to benefit from batteries as the network continues to modernise.
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