Australia’s New South Wales grants planning consent for 3.6GWh pumped hydro project at former coal mine

energy-storage.news Jul 16, 2026

Australia’s New South Wales grants planning consent for 3.6GWh pumped hydro project at former coal mine

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

New South Wales has granted planning approval for the AU$1.8 billion Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar project, the first pumped hydro development in the state to secure final consent in six years. Located at a former coal mine in Gloucester Valley, the 3.6GWh project includes a 300MW pumped hydro station and a 320MW solar plant. It is expected to contribute 13% toward NSW’s 2034 long-duration storage target and create up to 350 construction jobs.

💡 Why It Matters

· The project demonstrates how decommissioned coal sites can be repurposed for renewable energy, reducing costs and environmental impact.
· By leveraging existing mine infrastructure, it offers a scalable model for transitioning to clean energy while supporting regional economic recovery.

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