THE state government has approved the $200 million upgrade of Bayswater Power Station.
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The upgrade project has been declared of critical state significance and involves replacing four turbines over a four-year period prior to the closure of nearby Liddell power station in 2022.
According to the government Bayswater’s 2640 megawatts (MW) of power is a significant contributor to the state’s energy supply. Bayswater is Australia’s second largest coal-fired power station producing enough energy to power two million homes.
When Bayswater power station was constructed in 1984, peak NSW electricity demand was more than 7000 MW but this has now doubled to more than 14,000 MW.
During community consultation, the Department of Planning and Environment received 54 submissions including five submissions from government agencies.
None of the agencies objected to the project.
Of the public submissions, the majority raised concerns about air quality.
The department has assessed the merits of the project and found that the upgrade can be carried out with minor environmental impacts, subject to conditions.