New England Renewable Energy Zone projects face setbacks

The New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is experiencing significant developments involving both infrastructure impact and project cancellations.

Alinta Energy has withdrawn its Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro project, located 60 kilometres east of Armidale on the Macleay River. Despite being at an advanced development stage and receiving $9.64 million in grants from the NSW government, the company cited economic and timing challenges regarding key elements, including a critical transmission line, as reasons for the project being unviable.

Simultaneously, an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the New England REZ transmission line indicates that the small village of Rouchel in the Upper Hunter will face the highest visual impact. The EIS identifies four high visual impact ratings near Rouchel Brook, specifically affecting the Rouchel Uniting Church. While EnergyCo stated that the project area maximizes distance to dwellings, residents have requested the corridor be moved further west to protect homes and community landmarks.