Restart of Redbank Power Station

This project will inject jobs into the local area which will support the local community. The local area will benefit from this project being approved - from individuals to businesses.

This project will provide a safe environmentally friendly waste solution as well as providing dispatchable firming power to support the transition to renewables.

Support for the Redbank Power Station Restart
To the Relevant Authorities,
This submission advocates for the restart of Redbank Power Station, an initiative by Verdant Earth Technologies aimed at aligning with New South Wales' renewable energy objectives.
Transition to Renewable Energy
The core of this initiative is the transition from coal to 100% sustainable biomass as the primary fuel source for the Redbank Power Station. This transition is critical to achieving the NSW Government's 2050 goal of net-zero emissions. Verdant Earth Technologies commits to avoiding native forestry residues, opting instead for sustainable biomass sources such as energy crops and responsibly sourced waste biomass.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project is expected to create 382 full-time equivalent jobs, predominantly in the Hunter Region and Singleton LGA, and establish one of Australia's largest green baseload power generators. This shift towards biomass fuel is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 950,000 tonnes, contributing significantly to global carbon footprint reduction efforts and climate change mitigation.
Community Engagement and Environmental Considerations
Verdant Earth Technologies has proactively addressed community concerns regarding biomass use, ensuring the project aligns with local interests through engagement and development of an alternative biomass fuel strategy. The Environmental Impact Statement for the project indicates minimal adverse effects on air quality, noise levels, and the natural environment, prioritizing community health and well-being.
Call for Support
The restart of Redbank Power Station is a crucial step towards a sustainable, economically vibrant, and environmentally friendly future for the Hunter Valley and wider region. It represents a commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration.
I urge the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Independent Planning Commission, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority to support this project, recognizing its potential to drive regional development and contribute to environmental sustainability.
I look forward to the positive impact the Redbank Power Station will have on our community and the environment.
Regards,
Marty

Advocacy for the Revitalization of Redbank Power Station
Dear Esteemed Officials,
With enthusiasm and optimism, I write to champion the revival of the Redbank Power Station, led by the visionary efforts of Verdant Earth Technologies. This venture is more than just a local enhancement; it represents a critical leap towards the renewable energy era that New South Wales is courageously pursuing.
A Leap Towards Green Energy
Central to the revival of Redbank Power Station is its conversion from coal dependency to leveraging 100% sustainable biomass. This evolution is not merely a choice; it's a fundamental shift necessary to achieve the ambitious net-zero emissions goal set by the NSW Government for 2050. Verdant's commitment to sidestep the use of native forestry residues in favor of sustainable alternatives—including energy crops and responsibly sourced biomass—reflects a profound commitment to our planet's future.
The Promise of Prosperity and Preservation
The project promises substantial economic uplift, with 382 full-time jobs anticipated, primarily benefitting the Hunter Region and the Singleton LGA. Its role as one of the nation's largest green baseload generators underscores the vast potential of renewable resources in fulfilling our energy needs.
Environmentally, this initiative stands as a testament to sustainable development. Transitioning to biomass fuels is projected to cut down carbon dioxide emissions by 950,000 tonnes, aligning with the global imperative to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate climate change impacts.
Community Well-being and Environmental Stewardship
Proactively addressing community reservations about biomass use, Verdant has engaged meaningfully with local stakeholders, forging a path of mutual respect and cooperation. The thorough Environmental Impact Statement crafted for this project reassures us of its benign impact on air quality, noise pollution, and our natural surroundings, safeguarding community health and well-being.
An Appeal for Collective Action
The Redbank Power Station's renaissance is a pivotal step toward a sustainable, economically robust, and ecologically harmonious future for the Hunter Valley and beyond. It epitomizes the principles of innovation, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration crucial for our transition to a greener future.
I appeal to all involved parties, including the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Independent Planning Commission, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority, to lend their support to this transformative project. Your endorsement will not only fuel regional development but will also contribute to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants for generations to come.
I am keenly looking forward to witnessing the positive ripple effects the Redbank Power Station will send across our community and the environment at large.
Warm regards,
Greg Jones

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my unwavering support for the restart of the Redbank Power Station, a project spearheaded by Verdant Earth Technologies. This initiative marks a pivotal moment not only for the Hunter Valley but for the broader ambition of New South Wales to transition to a sustainable and renewable energy future.

Sustainable Energy Transition

At the heart of the Redbank Power Station's restart is the transition from coal to 100% sustainable biomass fuel. This shift is not just a strategic move towards cleaner energy but a necessary step to meet the NSW Government's net-zero emissions target by 2050. The project's commitment to avoiding native forestry residues and instead focusing on sustainable biomass, including energy crops and waste biomass from approved clearing activities, exemplifies Verdant's dedication to an environmentally responsible energy future.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The Redbank Power Station project is poised to deliver significant economic benefits, creating 382 full-time equivalent jobs primarily within the Hunter Region and the Singleton LGA. Moreover, it's set to become one of Australia's largest green baseload generators outside of hydro, showcasing the potential for renewable energy to meet our electricity needs reliably.

Environmentally, the project is a beacon of sustainability. By transitioning to biomass fuels, it's expected to save 950,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared to the previously approved coal tailings. This move aligns perfectly with the global shift towards minimizing our carbon footprint and combating climate change.

Community and Health Considerations

Verdant has been proactive in addressing community concerns related to the use of biomass fuels. By engaging with the community and developing an alternate biomass fuel strategy, Verdant has ensured that the project has the support and trust of those it will impact most directly. Furthermore, the comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the project indicates that the restart will have minimal negative impacts on air quality, noise levels, and the natural environment, ensuring the health and well-being of the local community.

A Call for Support

The restart of the Redbank Power Station represents a critical step towards a more sustainable, economically vibrant, and environmentally friendly future for the Hunter Valley and beyond. It embodies the principles of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement that are essential for the energy transition we desperately need.

I urge all stakeholders, including the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Independent Planning Commission, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority, to support this project. By doing so, we will not only be investing in the region's economic growth but also in the health of our planet and future generations.

Thank you for considering this submission. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Redbank Power Station will have on our community and the environment.

Support resurrecting a local asset using sustainable fuel source.

I am very happy for the Redbank Power Station to restart. I have visited the Power Station and discussed the fuel used by the station and feel that it is viable.

I would support the restart of Redbank as it would support Singleton in its environmental projects

Restart will descrease the use of coal and gas in NSW by producing electricity using biomass.
It will produce green electricity 24/7
Using the existing Redbank power station is a cost effective way of moving away from coal and gas to renewable biomass unlike the tax payer funded Kurri Kurri power station which will use diesel and gas.
It will provide jobs in the region.

The proposal will create 471 direct jobs for the Hunter region community, being critically important as coal mining in the region declines as the Australian economy transitions to net zero emissions.

I support the restart of the Redbank Power Station for the following reasons:
- Biomass is proven to be net zero by the global authorities on climate change, the IPCC and IEA, therefore it is a renewable form of energy.
- Redbank is an existing power station so there will be very little habitat loss or biodiversity damage that comes from it's restart. This is NOT THE CASE for many other renewable energy projects that require kilometers of new transmissions lines, let alone clearing for the actual sites themselves.
- Further to the point above, utilising existing infrastructure means that there are no CO2 emissions associated with the manufacturing process. Again, this is not the case for most other renewable energy projects. There are significant upfront emissions during the manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines, the majority of which are imported from China.
- Currently in Australia we are about to burn diesel for energy due to gas supply shortages... We have also extended the life of Eraring due to energy supply issues. Greenfield renewable projects are also being held up due to difficulties attracting investment and slow progress through the planning process. We are in desperate need of a renewable solution that will give us clean reliable energy, and won't force us into burning diesel or coal.
- The biomass being used at Redbank is from invasive species management. This biomass is already being burnt for absolutely no gain !! It seems logical to use this for energy.
- Redbank will also provide a number of jobs and economic benefits to the Hunter Region which undoubtedly faces looming challenges in the face of a declining coal industry.

The Australian and NSW Government seems to have tunnel vision in regards to renewable energy. We need to follow the lead of comparable overseas governments and start looking at solutions in addition to solar, wind, and batteries.

Re starting the Redbank Power Station would be a good use of existing power plant that can use renewable fuel.
The project will create employment during the restart phase and on going employment during the operation of the plant.
The operating power station running with renewable fuel will also provide a Base Load capacity to back up other renewable types of power like Solar and Wind.

This project will make use of existing infrastructure, create employment opportunities (both short & long term)
Contribute to renewable energy - but is more reliable than Wind/Solar
Beneficial to the environment by processing invasive species & reducing landfill.

This is needed in the Hunter and I support this bid.

I support the project. I have direct involvement in Biomass crop production of renewable fuels.

This project utilises existing infrastructure and an established industrial areas to provide local jobs and low carbon energy to the NSW grid. It will utilise waste products that if not used will contribute to the introduction of carbon into the atmosphere without extracting the energy available in the wood waste.

I support this submission as I believe the use of waste residue from invasive species and where available from road clearings as well as quick rotation crops is a positive for the environment with a lessening need on coal fired electricity generation and will support the electricity grids need for power generation with the demise of the coal fired generators, this will also help maintain electricity generation overnight when the loss of solar generation will require supplementation from other sources.

I support this project for many reasons. Firstly it will provide energy stability and an alternative to Solar and Wind turbines at a time when viable alternatives to coal power need to be considered. Secondly, it will provide many local jobs, in an area where coal fired power stations are being closed. Thirdly, it will provide green power with net zero emissions.

I believe we need more renewable energy sources in Australia and fully support this project

It will be great to grow the community