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Current Works
Testing and commissioning of Kurri Kurri Power Station continues to progress. In recent weeks, we have tested using gas and have successfully started providing electricity to the grid using this fuel.
To complete commissioning, it is important that we finalise our first generator’s testing on diesel. This will ensure the power station can reliably operate on its diesel back-up fuel at the infrequent times the network is under pressure and diesel generation is required to maintain reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses.
We understand testing in July on the back-up diesel fuel generated visible emissions and an odour that caused discomfort and concern. Working with the manufacturer, we have identified the best approach to minimise the plume and odour caused when testing on diesel. This involves starting the generator using gas, and then switching to diesel.
While we are testing on diesel, a plume may be visible. This testing process may also produce some odours and cause minor noise changes.
This is expected to last for only a short time and should cause less plume and odour than previously experienced. These impacts should also reduce as commissioning progresses.
There are appropriately strong rules that apply to the emissions, noise and other impacts from the power station during commissioning and in operation. Snowy Hydro is working closely with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority to ensure impacts remain within these strict environmental limits.
When fully operational, Kurri Kurri Power Station is designed to run only for a minority of the time, when electricity demand is high and renewable generation is limited. It will operate using gas as its primary fuel, with diesel only being used as a back up.
Kurri Kurri Power Station will play an important role in preventing blackouts and enabling Australia’s decarbonisation. It will provide 660 megawatts of electricity when it’s needed most, allowing more wind and solar generation to enter the grid.
Key Dates
Testing is scheduled for the dates below, between 3pm and 10am the following morning. Please note that some testing may conclude earlier and this schedule is subject to change. The schedule below will be updated regularly.
Last updated on 18 August 2025.
Note: Diesel testing will take approximately 12 work days. Due to planned times of testing, one work day may be represented over two calendar days in the above planner.
FAQs
What is the Hunter Power Project?
The Hunter Power Project, known as the Kurri Kurri Power Station, is critical to ensuring a responsible transition to renewable energy in Australia. When fully operational, it will be able to provide fast-start, dispatchable energy to support the grid when it is most needed. Read more about the Project on the Project home page.
What does “testing and commissioning” mean?
Testing and commissioning is the final phase focused on ensuring all systems and components are properly installed, tested, and functioning according to the project requirements and specifications.
First Fire as part of this process is when the gas turbine ignites and reaches full speed for the first time. Read more about First Fire here.
What is the smoke coming out of the stacks?
We are in the process of testing our first generator GT1, which involves burning both diesel and gas to ensure the system operates safely and smoothly. The emissions you see during commissioning are a result of our full speed no load testing, which will not be the case during operations where fuel will be used more effectively as we send power to the grid.
The impacts of our recent testing is currently under investigation and we will communicate as required in due course.
Will emissions always look like this, even during operations?
Once operational, no visible plumes are expected to be seen from the stacks as the emissions during operation will be primarily from the combustion of gas.
In the rare instances where diesel must be used, a small plume will be seen for twenty minutes before disappearing completely.
Will the power plant be continuously running?
No. Designed to operate only for a minority of the time, the power station will help take pressure off wholesale electricity prices and prevent blackouts by providing up to 660 megawatts of power when demand is high and supply from wind and solar is limited.
Approval has been granted for the power station to operate up to 12.5% of the year or 1100 hours. However, the expectation is it will operate for a lesser period of time.
What kind of continual air monitoring has been formally agreed upon?
All monitoring is described within our EPL, which was administered by the EPA. Figure M2.2 Air Monitoring Requirements documents the list of pollutants monitored.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call the Snowy Hydro Community Hotline at 1800 570 529 or email us at communityconsultation@hunterpowerproject.com.au