AGL is proposing to build, own and operate a pumped hydro energy storage system of approximately 770 MW/10-hour (7.7GWh) at Glenbawn Dam, an existing man-made reservoir approximately 10km east of Scone in the upper Hunter Region of New South Wales.
The Glenbawn Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) project (the Project) is proposed to be developed at Glenbawn Dam. The Project progressed following a successful bid by Upper Hunter Hydro Top Trust and its trustee (collectively, Upper Hunter Hydro) in the Renewable Energy Storage Program (RESP), a competitive tender process run by WaterNSW, thereby gaining access to that WaterNSW land.
AGL acquired Upper Hunter Hydro and with it, the Project, in May 2025.
The Project would utilise the existing Glenbawn Dam as the lower reservoir, and would require construction of an upper reservoir and associated electricity generation and transmission infrastructure on WaterNSW land.
The Project is expected to provide up to 7.7 GWh of long-duration electricity storage capacity, and enable the storage and dispatch of electricity into the NEM via transmission connections.
The Project is in its initial investigation phase, which includes studies and site investigations to assess environmental, social and cultural impacts and further develop the project design.
Geotechnical investigations have commenced and a scoping report is being prepared for submission to the NSW Government. The Project is of state significance and therefore will be assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
NSW Planning Approval Process
Preliminary studies and early community engagement are undertaken to identify the proposal’s impacts and issues for assessment.
We are here.
Planning Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) are issued.
Community engagement and technical studies are undertaken to inform the environmental impact statement (EIS).
The EIS is placed on public exhibition for agency and community feedback.
AGL considers the comments and issues raised about the EIS in a submissions report.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assesses the proposal and makes a referral for decision.
The Minister or the Independent Planning Commission approves or refuses the proposal.
AGL is engaging with the local community, NSW and Australian governments, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council, Wanaruah/ Wonnarua Traditional Custodians, and residents and business owners in the region about the project.
AGL will work closely with the community and key stakeholders throughout the project to collect feedback, consider issues and address questions. Enquires about the project can be made using the details below.
AGL understands that we don’t always get it right, and we want to be informed when we don’t. If you would like to provide any feedback, good or bad, or simply ask some questions, please feel free to get in touch via the following channels:
Learn more about how we handle general customer complaints on our complaints page.
