Illawarra Firming Power Station, New South Wales

The proposed Illawarra Firming Power Station is a new gas-powered facility, located in Unanderra NSW, a heavy industrial zone seven kilometres south of Wollongong CBD. The facility is designed to provide electricity when renewable energy sources like wind and solar are not meeting demand.

Key Project Info

Planning

Preparing Scoping Report

Local Government Area

The City of Wollongong

Project Timeline

Step 1/13

Project identification and site selection

Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints. Our team then begins community consultation.

Current Stage
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Step 2/13

Project feasibility and community engagement

Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.

Current Stage
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Step 3/13

Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement

A Development Application is made and an EIS prepared which involves a wide range of studies to address stakeholder feedback received to date and to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.

Current Stage
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Step 4/13

Public exhibition and Submissions Report

The EIS is placed on public exhibition through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Interested members of the public are invited to have their say during the exhibition period by way of formal submissions. A Submissions Report is then prepared, which aims to respond to the submissions received.

Current Stage
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Step 5/13

Assessment and development consent

The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, Development Consent is granted alongside a range of conditions specific to the project.

Current Stage
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Step 6/13

Post approval, contracting and financing

A lead contractor(s) to build the project is appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.

Current Stage
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Step 7/13

Procurement

During this phase our lead contractor(s) engages contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components.

Current Stage
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Step 8/13

Early works and design

Initial site activities start. Off-site detailed design commences in parallel.

Current Stage
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Step 9/13

Construction - civil works

During this phase of construction, the majority of the civil works takes place. The community is kept informed about temporary impacts during the construction phase.

Current Stage
Step 9

Step 10/13

Construction - mechanical and electrical completion

During this phase, the major equipment packages are delivered to site. Electrical cabling, buildings and amenities are then installed and major equipment connections are made to complete construction.

Current Stage
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Step 11/13

Commissioning & handover

Electricity and other external service connections are completed and then equipment undergoes performance testing. During this stage, the project will come to life with equipment starting up for short periods of time, until the commissioning team is satisfied with the performance and operational safety. Operators will be trained during commissioning before commencing operations.

Current Stage
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Step 12/13

Operations

The project is operated in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.

Current Stage
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Step 13/13

Decommissioning

At the end of the project’s useful life, the asset and electrical equipment will be either replaced or the project will be decommissioned. The site will then be returned to its original use or re-purposed for other development.

Current Stage
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The role of firming

‘Firming’ means backing up variable energy by storing it for later use, such as large scale batteries or pumped hydro, in addition to gas peaking plants for longer term generation.

Australia’s ageing coal-fired power stations are reaching the end of their life. To deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy to Australian businesses and homes, we’re building wind and solar farms, backed by firming.

Illawarra Firming Power Station is designed to provide electricity when renewable energy sources like wind and solar are not meeting demand and will include large gas turbines housed in protective enclosures, with exhaust stacks and supporting equipment, along with roads, storage tanks, and other site infrastructure.

Projects such as our Dubbo and Illawarra Power Stations, together with batteries and pumped hydro, will provide backup and storage to deliver Australia’s energy future.

Indicative project timeline

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Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone

Illawarra Firming Power Station will be located in the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The Illawarra region hosts major energy, port and transport infrastructure and an existing skilled workforce, making it an ideal area for a REZ.

For more information on the Illawarra REZ, visit: https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ilw-rez.

Squadron Energy in the community

Helping Look Good Feel Better support cancer patients in Port Kembla

Squadron Energy is providing funding to Look Good Feel Better to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment in the Port Kembla community.

The funding will enable the organisation to provide important services including In-person workshops, Home Delivered Confidence Kits, virtual workshops, and weekly Feel Better Fridays sessions.

Squadron Energy’s Head of Community and Regional Development, Jessica Kite, said she was thrilled that the team were supporting such a vital program, with today's workshop showcasing just how important it is for those in the community with cancer.

“This organisation is truly changing lives, and we are proud to be playing just a small part in their huge impact.”

Each of Squadron Energy’s projects has a community sponsorship program, which provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the local project area. Information on how to apply is available on Squadron Energy's Community Sponsorship Guidelines and Application webpage.

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Community

The wellbeing of the community is a core component of our work. Our approach to engaging with the local community is both genuine and lasting. As part of this commitment, over the last six months we have sponsored community initiatives such as the University of Wollongong's Global Leadership (GoLead) internship program, International Women's Day Illawarra, UCI Wollongong 2022 Community Ride and the Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla bus.

Squadron Energy is new to the Illawarra region, and we recognise that each community is different. We aim to tailor benefits at each firming project and make positive lasting contribution to the Illawarra. We look forward to launching a community grant and sponsorship program for Port Kembla in 2023.

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Community benefit sharing and sponsorships

We share the benefits of our projects by supporting communities over the long term. We do this through a range of opportunities such as community benefits funds, voluntary planning agreements, community sponsorship and grant initiatives.

We recognise that each community is different, and we aim to tailor benefits at each project and make positive lasting contribution to each region.

Each of our projects has a community sponsorship program, which provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the local project area.

Key areas for the program include:

  • Education and training initiatives
  • Community development programs
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Environmental initiatives

Applications are open for community sponsorship. Please contact us using the details below for more information about Illawarra Firming Power Station community sponsorship opportunities. Download and complete the Community Sponsorship Application and forward with any relevant documentation to info@squadronenergy.com.

Community Sponsorship Guidelines & Application Form

Alternatively, you can complete and submit the form online via the link below.

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Publicly Available Documents

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About Squadron Energy

Squadron Energy is Australia’s leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. We are 100% Australian owned and we are here for the long term. We have 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and under construction. With proven experience and expertise across the project lifecycle, we work with local communities and our customers to lead the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.

Contact

Senior Project Developer

Jeff Allen

Email: illawarrafirming@squadronenergy.com

Phone: 0485 971 394

Mailing address

Level 2, 280 Keira Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

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