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Current Works
Commissioning of Snowy Hydro’s fourth on-demand gas power station continues to progress.
We are moving forward with the testing and commissioning of the second unit. Testing for the second generator will commence on or after 17 November and is expected to take 2 to 3 weeks. This date is subject to change.
Our current focus is to ensure the power station can support the network with on-demand energy using gas. Testing for the back-up fuel, diesel, will be carried out in 2026.
When testing for the second generator commences, it is likely there will be some odour and plume. Our experience testing the first generator using gas means we do not expect significant impacts.
Snowy Hydro is also working closely with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority to ensure impacts remain within 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 backup.
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. It will operate using gas as its primary fuel, with diesel only being used as a backup.
If the community has any questions or concerns, we encourage them to call the Snowy Hydro Community Hotline at 1800 570 529, or get in touch with us via our social media channels.
Key Dates
Testing is scheduled for the dates below. This testing schedule is subject to change. The schedule below will be updated regularly.
Last updated on 17 November 2025.
Note: Commissioning involves testing various parts of the unit to ensure it works efficiently. This process can identify aspects that require minor adjustments which can affect the final completion date of testing. Snowy Hydro will endeavour to update this testing schedule with the latest information as soon as possible.
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