Neoen faces assessment panel for Crystal Brook Energy Park

Solar panels in front of wind turbines (planning pathways)
Image: Shutterstock

Following two years of project development and continuous community engagement, Neoen’s Crystal Brook Energy Park will be showcased to the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) this week.

The facility, dubbed the Hydrogen Superhub, would produce 150MW of solar, up to 150MW of wind, as well as a 50MW hydrogen plant and 400MWh of battery storage.

The on-site hydrogen electrolyser has the potential to produce 20,000kg of hydrogen daily.

The South Australian Government has committed $25 million to Neoen to finalise plans and commence construction of the project, pending development approvals.

“The Crystal Brook Energy Park we are presenting this week is the result of an unprecedented level of community engagement,” Neoen Australia managing director Franck Woitiez said.

“In direct response to feedback from the local community and Port Pirie Council, Neoen has reduced the number of wind turbines proposed by more than 50 per cent to ensure a generous development buffer between the project and the Flinders Ranges.”

The Crystal Brook Energy Park represents a potential investment of $500 million in South Australia, and is expected to create more than 200 jobs during construction and around a dozen permanent jobs during operation.

“As with all our projects, Neoen will ensure that jobs go to local workers and industries wherever possible,” Mr Woitiez said.

“Upon completion of the project, we will also create an $80,000-per-year Community Fund, which will be allocated by local community leaders to community projects that drive environmental and social change.

“Neoen is extremely proud of the nearby Hornsdale Power Reserve in Jamestown, which since December last year has been successfully keeping the lights on and cutting electricity prices for South Australians.

“Crystal Brook is the natural next step, as one of the first and largest projects in the world to integrate wind, solar and storage to provide dependable, dispatchable, baseload renewable power without subsidies.”

As part of the development application process, the Panel will also consult local community members on their views of the proposal during this session, which takes place Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

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