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ABC News
10-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Snowy Hydro apologises for burning diesel smell from Kurri Kurri power plant
A controversial Hunter Valley power station has caused a stink in its community, with the operator apologising for a pungent smell of fuel in the air. Snowy Hydro's plant at Kurri Kurri, which has just started its testing phase, is designed to run on gas, but can also be powered by diesel as a backup source. CEO Dennis Barnes said in the past week, testing took place on one of two turbines, which included testing it on diesel. "That caused some emissions and some odour, which we're deeply regretful for," he told ABC Newcastle Breakfast. "We weren't expecting it, and therefore we've stopped [testing]." Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke coming from the plant, while others more than 30 kilometres away in Newcastle reported the smell. Resident Marlie Forde said when she first noticed the smell, she thought it was a failing electrical appliance in her home. "It was just eye-watering, I've never smelt anything that bad," he said. "Even with all the windows shut, it just made me feel really sick and nauseous." Mr Barnes said the company was working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in its investigations. "At the plant itself, the emissions were within our environmental limits, but that doesn't make any difference to the local community when they're smelling and seeing smoke," he said. Environmental advocate and former local Greens candidate Janet Murray has campaigned against the plant since it was first announced. "I heard the guy from Snowy Hydro saying that emissions were within their allowable limits," she told ABC Newcastle Mornings. "If that's allowable, that is ridiculous." In a statement, an EPA spokesperson said the plant was required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during any testing in the commissioning phase. "Before commissioning works recommence, we will review Snowy Hydro's updated commissioning plan and discuss additional control measures," the statement read. "Our investigation into the recent emissions and odours is continuing, including checking whether the station's emissions limits have been breached." Ms Murray said communication from Snowy Hydro about the testing has been "woeful". "I have a friend who lives very close to the plant and he was given no advice whatsoever," she said. Mr Barnes conceded the company could have communicated with the wider Hunter region better. "We did do local communications and our near neighbours, but I think we've stuffed up by not going more broadly on social media and on the radio to warn people that we were doing this," he said. He said commissioning phase testing has stopped, but will eventually need to resume. "We'll figure out how we do that without impact between now and when that happens," he said. 'Until we can do that, we won't test it." The plant is designed to bridge electricity supply in times of peak demand, with the former Morrison government commissioning it to cover the gap as coal-fired power stations wind down and more renewable generators are developed.
The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Gas plant that caused stink in parts of the Hunter to stay off this week
TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said. TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said. TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said. TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way. Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong. Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week. From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9. "We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said. "They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said. In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said. They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up. "The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said. "We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community." The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality. Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations. He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing. "The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said. He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing. The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours. "We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said. "We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home." Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air. One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening" Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again. "Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said. "Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting." Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk. "I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said. "That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better." Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions. "The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said. Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order. The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment. They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation. "We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said.
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Turning point': Kurri Kurri gas plant fired up for the first time
The gas-powered Kurri Kurri station has fired up for the first time. Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team said they successfully ignited one of the station's two gas turbines and reached full speed late last week. "First fire is a turning point in the power station's development that confirms the design, construction and cold commissioning of the turbine has been successful," Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. The 660-megawatt plant was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. In a statement, Snowy Hydro said the gas supply infrastructure was now complete with the station expected to reach full commercial operation the coming months. They said the project had been impacted by 69 days of bad weather in 2025, which had caused delays. The plant will only be used for about five per cent of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. "Every megawatt of capacity provided by Kurri Kurri enables three megawatts of renewable wind and solar to come online and replace increasingly unreliable coal generation," Mr Barnes said. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. On the eve of the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards a green hydrogen project at the plant. Mr Albanese conceded in January that the green hydrogen vision had not gone to plan, however, he had not given up on eventually using green hydrogen in the plant. He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained. The gas-powered Kurri Kurri station has fired up for the first time. Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team said they successfully ignited one of the station's two gas turbines and reached full speed late last week. "First fire is a turning point in the power station's development that confirms the design, construction and cold commissioning of the turbine has been successful," Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. The 660-megawatt plant was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. In a statement, Snowy Hydro said the gas supply infrastructure was now complete with the station expected to reach full commercial operation the coming months. They said the project had been impacted by 69 days of bad weather in 2025, which had caused delays. The plant will only be used for about five per cent of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. "Every megawatt of capacity provided by Kurri Kurri enables three megawatts of renewable wind and solar to come online and replace increasingly unreliable coal generation," Mr Barnes said. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. On the eve of the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards a green hydrogen project at the plant. Mr Albanese conceded in January that the green hydrogen vision had not gone to plan, however, he had not given up on eventually using green hydrogen in the plant. He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained. The gas-powered Kurri Kurri station has fired up for the first time. Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team said they successfully ignited one of the station's two gas turbines and reached full speed late last week. "First fire is a turning point in the power station's development that confirms the design, construction and cold commissioning of the turbine has been successful," Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. The 660-megawatt plant was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. In a statement, Snowy Hydro said the gas supply infrastructure was now complete with the station expected to reach full commercial operation the coming months. They said the project had been impacted by 69 days of bad weather in 2025, which had caused delays. The plant will only be used for about five per cent of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. "Every megawatt of capacity provided by Kurri Kurri enables three megawatts of renewable wind and solar to come online and replace increasingly unreliable coal generation," Mr Barnes said. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. On the eve of the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards a green hydrogen project at the plant. Mr Albanese conceded in January that the green hydrogen vision had not gone to plan, however, he had not given up on eventually using green hydrogen in the plant. He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained. The gas-powered Kurri Kurri station has fired up for the first time. Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team said they successfully ignited one of the station's two gas turbines and reached full speed late last week. "First fire is a turning point in the power station's development that confirms the design, construction and cold commissioning of the turbine has been successful," Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said. The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating. The 660-megawatt plant was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. In a statement, Snowy Hydro said the gas supply infrastructure was now complete with the station expected to reach full commercial operation the coming months. They said the project had been impacted by 69 days of bad weather in 2025, which had caused delays. The plant will only be used for about five per cent of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. "Every megawatt of capacity provided by Kurri Kurri enables three megawatts of renewable wind and solar to come online and replace increasingly unreliable coal generation," Mr Barnes said. Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion. On the eve of the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards a green hydrogen project at the plant. Mr Albanese conceded in January that the green hydrogen vision had not gone to plan, however, he had not given up on eventually using green hydrogen in the plant. He did not put a timeline on the project, but Mr Albanese confirmed the government's $700 million green hydrogen commitment remained.
