Redbank Power Station
Transforming NSW's newest coal generator into Australia's largest modern biomass generator, producing 151 MW of 24/7 renewable energy.
Capacity
Dispatchable
Homes Powered
Output per Year
About the Project
From Coal to Sustainably Sourced Biomass
The Redbank Power Station, located in the Hunter Valley, is NSW's newest large-scale thermal generator. Originally built to run on coal tailings from nearby mines, Verdant has the bold vision to convert Redbank into Australia's largest modern Biomass Generator.
Through repurposing existing infrastructure — turbines, grid connections and other site facilities, the project is able to deliver renewable energy to Australians faster, and with less waste than other projects. This approach allows Verdant to avoid carbon associated with new infrastructure builds and ensure that carbon already invested in the generator is put to its highest and best use.
Critical for grid reliability, Redbank will deliver 151MW of power on demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — unlike intermittent renewable generation such as wind and solar. This dispatchable capability provides the support required for a stable and reliable grid, delivering continuous baseload generation, system inertia and black start capability (the ability to restart the grid after a blackout).
Project Facts
Project Details
Economic & Environmental Impact
Approximately
Site Photography
Aerial Site View
132kV Substation
Redbank Power Station
Site Surroundings
Aerial Site View
Why It Matters
Solving Australia's Firming Problem
Grid Stability
As coal exits the grid, Australia needs dispatchable renewables to replace baseload. Redbank fills that gap.
Always On
Unlike wind or solar, Redbank generates whenever the grid needs it — day or night, rain, hail or shine. This means Australians get power when they need it.
Embedded Carbon
Lifecycle analysis shows biomass generation from Redbank delivers lower emissions per MWh than new-build solar for the first 28 years of operation.
Community Scale
At 151MW, Redbank can power more than 200,000 homes — a meaningful contribution to Australian energy security.
Net-Zero Operations
Sustainably-sourced biomass fuel ensures the facility operates at near net-zero carbon emissions.
Carbon Capture
Verdant is exploring the opportunity to utilise Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), a pathway to producing carbon negative electricity.
Project Timeline
The Road to Commercial Operations
Redbank Commissioned
The Redbank Power Station begins operation as a 151 MW coal-fired generator.
Redbank Placed into Care and Maintenance
After successfully operating for 13 years, Redbank is placed into care and maintenance following the collapse of parent company Babcock & Brown.
Verdant Acquires Redbank
Verdant Earth acquires the Redbank Power Station.
Scoping Report Lodged
Verdant begins the State Significant Development process to convert the Redbank Power Station into a modern biomass generator.
Department of Planning and Environment Issue SEARs
The Redbank Project is issued with the Planning Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements.
Environmental Impact Statement Lodged
Verdant lodges the Environmental Impact Statement for the Redbank Project, a 297 page document accompanied by 33 appendices.
Public Exhibition
The Redbank Project is placed on Public Exhibition.
Response to Submissions Report
Response to Submissions Report is provided by Verdant.
Independent Review by ARUP
The Redbank Project is independently reviewed by ARUP.
Recommended for Approval
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure publishes its assessment report and recommends the project for approval.
Referred to IPC
The project is referred to the Independent Planning Commission for final decision making.
IPC Refuses Project
The Independent Planning Commission refuses the project on the basis of insufficient information.
Appeal to Land and Environment Court
Verdant appeals the IPC decision to the Land and Environment Court.
Appeal Decision
Appeal case is heard and judgement is given.
Conversion Begins
Conversion of the Redbank Power Station begins.
Commercial Operations
Redbank Power Station begins commercial operations.
Planning & Approvals
Project Documents
All planning documents submitted to and published by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure are available on the NSW Planning Portal.
Interested in the Redbank Project?
For project updates, planning documentation or any enquiries, get in touch with our team.