A former mining site in the Gloucester Valley will be transformed into a major renewable energy project after approval was granted for the $1.8 billion Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar project.
The project will help improve energy security and create new jobs in the Hunter region. It is expected to create up to 350 construction jobs and 10 ongoing jobs.
The project will also provide around $18.2 million over its lifetime for community and infrastructure projects through an agreement with the local council.
Located about 100 kilometres north of Newcastle, the project will be built on the former Stratford Mining Complex site, where coal mining ended in 2024. The site will be given a new purpose as a renewable energy facility.
The project includes a 300-megawatt pumped hydro power station with 12 hours of energy storage and a 320-megawatt solar farm.
The pumped hydro system will move water between an upper reservoir and an existing dam through a tunnel. Water from the former mine site will be used to help fill the initial reservoir.
The facility will store extra electricity generated during the day and release it during periods of high demand, especially in the evening. It is expected to contribute around 13 per cent of the state’s long-duration energy storage target for 2034.
The project is part of a broader move to develop renewable energy and replace older coal-based power generation with cleaner energy sources.
The Hunter region is also seeing changes in energy infrastructure. The Port of Newcastle, traditionally known for coal exports, is becoming an important entry point for renewable energy equipment, including wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage systems.
Across New South Wales, renewable energy development continues to expand. More than 50 approved renewable energy projects are expected to generate enough electricity to supply millions of homes when completed.
The Stratford project shows how former industrial sites can be reused to support renewable energy, create jobs, and provide long-term economic opportunities for regional communities.