In the September edition of @ The Coalface, we took a closer look at Idemitsu’s renewable energy plans for their Muswellbrook Coal site. This month we’re looking at Yancoal’s Stratford Renewable Energy Hub that has been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the NSW Government, regarded as potentially being a big part of the energy security puzzle to keep the lights on across NSW.
After almost 30 years, coal mining at Stratford in the Gloucester Valley has ended. The focus now turns to decommissioning and removing infrastructure, continuing land rehabilitation and exploring potential beneficial uses for parts of the site. Current employees will remain at the mine for around four years to assist with that ongoing process.
Yancoal is investigating diversification opportunities at the Stratford Mining Complex, with one of the more progressed options being the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub (SREH).
Approval is being sought for a pumped hydro scheme (storing up to 3,600MW hours, or 300MW over a 12-hour cycle) and an associated solar facility (with potential capacity of 330MW). It would be developed on and adjacent to the former mine and on Yancoal owned land. The pumped hydro component of the project would utilise the mine’s existing dams and water supply to charge the reservoirs, meaning there would be no impact to local water resources. The potential solar facility would provide a portion of the energy required to recharge the pumped hydro during daylight hours.
In July 2024, the NSW Government declared the proposed Stratford Renewable Energy Hub (SREH) as critical infrastructure, given its potential significance to the NSW economy by helping to maintain critical energy security by providing long duration storage. Along with the SREH, several projects across the state were declared CSSI. If approved and developed, all will assist in maintaining the state’s critical energy security and continue the essential energy supply to homes and businesses.
Community Liaison Advisor at Stratford Coal Jarrad Galvin said the site provides the perfect spot for a pumped hydro project.
“The site’s natural topography, land holdings and proximity to existing electricity transmission infrastructure and demand centres makes it an ideal location for pumped hydro energy storage.
“Yancoal retains an extremely positive outlook for the coal industry and international coal markets. In parallel, Yancoal is planning to diversify into other operations, such as hard rock mineral mining and alternative energy projects. Coal mining is still a priority for Yancoal, and revenue generated from existing coal mining operations will assist with this diversification.
“Yancoal is committed to reducing its emissions and to comply with the national Safeguard Mechanism. We want to optimise future land use after mining has ended to benefit its shareholders, local communities and economies.”
Yancoal will continue to assess the feasibility of the project and has commenced applications for NSW and Federal Government approvals. An Environmental Impact Statement has been lodged and is expected to be on public exhibition for community feedback in the coming weeks.
If approved by Government, Yancoal will make a final decision on the project, pending feasibility and shareholder approval. Assuming usual project planning, assessment and construction timeframes, the hub could be operational as early as 2029.
