Having completed commissioning on Kurri Kurri Power Station's (KKPS) primary gas fuel earlier in the year, Snowy Hydro is ready to complete the final stage of commissioning using the back-up diesel fuel.
Testing is expected to commence on or after Friday, 10 July 2026. It will take place at night, over the course of about four weeks, although the number of nights may change depending on commissioning outcomes.
During diesel testing last year, the intensity of the plume and odour was greater than we anticipated. While there will still be some odour and plume, we do not expect this over an extended period.
We have learned from last year's events and community impacts, and have worked with the manufacturer to ensure we are doing everything possible to minimise impacts. This includes:
- Night time only testing: Testing will take place overnight for approximately four weeks, depending on the weather. We will test one generator at a time to minimise noise and odour.
- Optimised start-ups: We have worked closely with the turbine manufacturer to reduce the time required to run in the mode that is most likely to cause plumes or odours.
- 24/7 support: We have a dedicated community team on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the testing window. This team will work with our commissioning team to investigate and respond to any resident concerns immediately.
When fully operational, Kurri Kurri Power Station is expected to run only on those occasions when electricity demand is high and renewable supply is limited. It will operate using gas as its primary fuel, with diesel being used as a backup only when required.
Kurri Kurri Power Station will play an important role in ensuring electricity reliability and enabling Australia's transition to renewable energy. It will provide 660 megawatts of electricity when it's needed most, allowing more wind and solar generation to enter the grid.
