Snowy Hydro apologises for burning diesel smell from Kurri Kurri power plant

Australia Broadcast Center

10-07-2025

A controversial Hunter Valley power station has caused a stink in its community, with the operator apologising for a pungent smell of fuel in the air.
Snowy Hydro's plant at Kurri Kurri, which has just started its testing phase, is designed to run on gas, but can also be powered by diesel as a backup source.
CEO Dennis Barnes said in the past week, testing took place on one of two turbines, which included testing it on diesel.
"That caused some emissions and some odour, which we're deeply regretful for," he told ABC Newcastle Breakfast.
"We weren't expecting it, and therefore we've stopped [testing]."
Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke coming from the plant, while others more than 30 kilometres away in Newcastle reported the smell.
Resident Marlie Forde said when she first noticed the smell, she thought it was a failing electrical appliance in her home.
"It was just eye-watering, I've never smelt anything that bad," he said.
"Even with all the windows shut, it just made me feel really sick and nauseous."
Mr Barnes said the company was working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in its investigations.
"At the plant itself, the emissions were within our environmental limits, but that doesn't make any difference to the local community when they're smelling and seeing smoke," he said.
Environmental advocate and former local Greens candidate Janet Murray has campaigned against the plant since it was first announced.
"I heard the guy from Snowy Hydro saying that emissions were within their allowable limits," she told ABC Newcastle Mornings.
"If that's allowable, that is ridiculous."
In a statement, an EPA spokesperson said the plant was required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during any testing in the commissioning phase.
"Before commissioning works recommence, we will review Snowy Hydro's updated commissioning plan and discuss additional control measures," the statement read.
"Our investigation into the recent emissions and odours is continuing, including checking whether the station's emissions limits have been breached."
Ms Murray said communication from Snowy Hydro about the testing has been "woeful".
"I have a friend who lives very close to the plant and he was given no advice whatsoever," she said.
Mr Barnes conceded the company could have communicated with the wider Hunter region better.
"We did do local communications and our near neighbours, but I think we've stuffed up by not going more broadly on social media and on the radio to warn people that we were doing this," he said.
He said commissioning phase testing has stopped, but will eventually need to resume.
"We'll figure out how we do that without impact between now and when that happens," he said.
'Until we can do that, we won't test it."
The plant is designed to bridge electricity supply in times of peak demand, with the former Morrison government commissioning it to cover the gap as coal-fired power stations wind down and more renewable generators are developed.