Origin is a leading Australian integrated energy company with more than 4 million customers and approximately 7,000 MW of power generation capacity across Australia. At Origin, our strategy is to lead Australia’s energy transition to net zero emissions through cleaner energy and customer solutions and as part of our commitment, Origin is proposing an expansion of our Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Scheme located in Kangaroo Valley.
In September 2022, the Shoalhaven expansion project was one of six pumped storage hydro projects to receive funding under the NSW Government’s recoverable grants initiative. The NSW Government established this program as part of their 2021 Energy Infrastructure Roadmap which recognised the important role pumped storage hydro will play in supporting the energy transition. With this funding in place, Origin is now progressing our assessments for the appropriate approvals for the project, and a Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared as part of the planning
and investigations for the project. The key purpose of the EIS is to assess the economic,
environmental, and social impacts of the expansion project, and to provide the community and stakeholders with an assessment of the impacts of the project.
It is anticipated that the EIS will be lodged with the NSW Department Planning and Environment in early November 2022 and will be placed on exhibition soon after for at least 28 days. During this exhibition period, the local community and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to make written submissions on the project. The EIS will be published on the Department of Planning and Environment’s Planning Portal, and we will also have a link to the EIS on our website. You can also find further information on this project on our website:
Shoalhaven Hydro proposed expansion – Origin Energy Origin will also be hosting Community Information Days at various local venues during the exhibition period, where you can come along and speak to members of the project team. We will provide further information when details are confirmed.
Origin is committed to working closely with the community to understand any concerns you may have, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss either via email tania.carlos@originenergy.com.au or phone me directly on 0400 035 434.
If you would like to receive updates on the progress of the project or be notified when the EIS is placed on exhibition, please provide us with an email address so we can provide you with timely updates.
Yours sincerely
Tania Carlos
Community Relations Manager
Energy Supply and Operations