Gas Testing to Resume at Kurri Kurri Power Station After Diesel Emissions Pause

newy.com.au – Testing at Snowy Hydro’s Kurri Kurri Power Station will resume on Monday, 21 July 2025, with the first of two gas-fired generators to be trialled using its primary fuel, gas, over a period of six to eight weeks.

The recommencement follows a pause in earlier testing that used diesel as a backup fuel. That phase drew community complaints after producing unexpected visible emissions and odours, attributed to the start-up of a new generator and strong winds. In response, Snowy Hydro apologised for not adequately informing residents across the region and said it had taken steps to improve communication and monitoring.

This next round of testing is expected to result in substantially lower emissions and odour levels. According to Snowy Hydro, impacts such as noise, visible plume or odour may still be briefly noticeable during initial turbine start-up, particularly for properties located close to the site. Testing will be conducted at night, and the company anticipates a progressive reduction in emissions as the commissioning process continues.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed it is reviewing the company’s additional control measures and welcomed the increased air quality monitoring and improved engagement with the community.

“We are pleased Snowy Hydro has committed to increasing the amount of monitoring and has strengthened community engagement,” an EPA spokesperson said. “This round of commissioning will use gas fuel which is expected to create significantly less emissions than last time.”

As required under its Environment Protection Licence, the power station must conduct continuous emissions monitoring throughout the commissioning period. EPA officers will oversee the process and carry out odour surveys in the surrounding area. The authority’s investigation into the initial diesel-related emissions remains ongoing.

Once operational, the Kurri Kurri Power Station will operate primarily on gas and is intended to provide up to 660 megawatts of electricity during peak demand or when renewable generation is low. Diesel will only be used as a backup fuel.

Snowy Hydro has urged residents to report any concerns via its community hotline on 1800 570 529 or through its social media channels.