Agreements are to commence the development of a pipeline connection known as the Kurri Kurri Lateral, which will include storage to the Hunter Power project.
APA Group will build, own and operate the Kurri Kurri Lateral – a gas transmission pipeline approximately 20 km in length – which will connect the Sydney to Newcastle Pipeline to the Hunter Power Project at Kurri Kurri in NSW, as well as a 70 terajoule (TJ) gas storage facility to service the Hunter Power project.
The developments are targeted to be completed by late 2023.
However, the development is contingent on whether APA Group will obtain certain third-party approvals for the development and operation of the facilities and various development matters being agreed with Snowy Hydro.
Snowy Hydro may extend the gas transportation and storage agreement for a further 10 years.
APA Group’s total construction costs for the project are currently estimated to be around $264 million. Final capital expenditure will be subject to detailed engineering design, which is expected to be completed by late 2022.
The company has worked closely with Snowy Hydro to ensure that the Kurri Kurri Lateral will be hydrogen-blend ready, as well as committing to procuring electric dive compressors to minimise the emissions intensity of operations.
APA Group estimates construction jobs will peak at almost 400 workers when construction of the pipeline connection, storage and compressor station overlaps.
CEO and managing director Rob Wheals said APA Group is pleased to be working with Snow Hydro on the Kurri Kurri Lateral.
“APA looks forward to delivering this key piece of infrastructure for the Hunter Power project, which in turn should facilitate further expansion of renewable generation in the National Electricity Market,” said Wheals.
“The current energy crisis has underscored the critical role that gas will continue to play in our energy mix, delivering affordable firming for renewable generation, energy security and high heat capability for the industrial sector.
“As coal is withdrawn from the National Electricity Market, natural gas is the workhorse of the energy grid. Its flexibility and reliability ensure it is able to be rapidly developed and sustained for extended periods, delivering energy security when it’s needed most.”
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