Alinta Energy pulls $1.8 billion Oven Mountain pumped-hydro project in NSW

Alinta Energy announced the termination of the Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project, a 900 MW, $1.8 billion scheme slated for a site near Georges Junction in northern New South Wales. The decision, attributed to economic and timing difficulties surrounding a key transmission line, marks the second major renewable venture to be scrapped this month after Origin Energy dropped its 870 MW Skye Ridge wind farm.

The project had progressed through NSW Planning as a state-significant development within the Armidale Renewable Energy Zone. Local leaders, including Armidale Shire Mayor Sam Coupland and Oxley MP Michael Kemp, lamented the loss of anticipated construction and long-term jobs, while Thunggutti Local Aboriginal Land Council chief Arthur Bain noted the site's technical suitability but isolation. Consultants such as Tristan Edis highlighted that plunging battery storage costs and rising civil-construction expenses now make pumped hydro up to four times more costly per kilowatt. The state environment minister has been contacted for comment.