Community focused company Greenspot and its demolition partner, Liberty Industrial, recently carried out a controlled explosive demolition of the Unit 7 boiler structure at Wallerawang Power Station, near Lithgow, NSW.
Wallerawang Power Station was retired in 2014, and Greenspot has applied for approval to convert the site into an integrated multi-use precinct, including a $400 million 500MW/1000MWh battery.
In early February, the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment placed Greenspot’s Environmental Impact Statement for the grid-scale battery on public exhibition.
The battery will help enhance the reliability of the electricity grid, and accelerate the development of renewables in NSW.
The demolition of the Unit 7 boiler structure on 23 February, 2022, is a major milestone for the project.
“We are highly motivated to speed the transformation of Wallerawang Power Station and attract new investment into the region,” said Greenspot founder Neil Schembri.
“This is our second major blast event after the November 2021 demolition of two chimney stacks and the other boiler.
“We are thoroughly energised by the potential for positive impact of this transformation on the local community, economy and jobs.”
Greenspot CEO Brett Hawkins said the company is committed to ensuring the project has a positive impact on the local community.
“Wallerawang Power Station was retired in 2014, and we are incredibly mindful of the impact these closures have – not only how they affect the supply and transmission of electricity, but how they affect the lives of workers and whole communities,” he said.
“People in Lithgow and the NSW Central West are resilient, and there is a proud legacy of industry and innovation.
“Renewed business activity is required for future generations to thrive, and we are excited to be part of it.”
Greenspot places great importance on community engagement and input as essential components of Wallerawang Power Station’s transformation.
“Many of the community members we talk to see an opportunity for this area to chart its own course towards a rejuvenated, sustainable and circular economy,” said Hawkins.
“They believe, as we do, that the timing and holistic approach of Wallerawang Power Station’s transformation has the potential to make it a model for other regional communities across Australia.”