Ark Energy seeks expansion of Hunter Valley wind farm, just weeks after first stage approval

Ark Energy, the renewable energy development subsidiary of Korean Zinc, says it is looking to lodge plans for an extension to the newly approved Bowmans Creek wind project in the Hunter Valley in coming months.

The 335 MW first stage of the Bowmans Creek was approved by the Independent Planning Commission in early February, although the number of turbines was scaled back slightly from 56 to 54.

The second stage of the project will require separate approval from the NSW Government, and if it faces as much opposition as the first stage will be referred to the IPC.

The project is located in the heart of the coal mining area in the Hunter Valley, and is located 12kms east of Muswellbrook, not far from the Liddell coal generator that was shuttered a year ago, and the still operating Bayswater coal generator.

Ark Energy owns a number of wind and solar projects, including a 30 per cent stake in the 923 MW MacIntyre wind project in Queensland, which will be – at least for a time – the biggest in Australia.

Ark Energy says its project team is working on the Scoping Report and EPBC Act referral, and estimates that these will be ready to lodge in the next three months. An information session for Stage 2 will be held in Mt Olive on Wednesday, April 3.