Lithgow will continue to play an important role in support of broader NSW's electricity needs with the announcement today that Greenspot and Shell will work to deliver a large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the site of the old Wallerawang Power Station.
The project is indicative of how places like Lithgow, which have long supplied bulk power for NSW, can capitalise on new agendas such as the move to renewable energy generation and storage. It is just one example of how Lithgow Council is moving the city into the future by diversifying the local economy.
Lithgow Mayor, Maree Statham said, "It really pleases me when people and businesses realise the wonderful opportunities that exist in this city. We have ample bulk water, access to major electricity infrastructure, affordable land and we are the interface between Sydney and the Central West. Also, the natural environment in this city is just precious."
Mayor Statham added, "Lithgow Council is open for business and accepting of new industries and investment that match our values and offer opportunities for our community. We will ensure that the city captures benefits from these large projects. For this reason, I am very proud of the manner in which the Council's administration negotiated with the proponents for this battery to establish a $2 million fund over the 20-year life of this project for economic transformation and the delivery of much needed community infrastructure. This fund will provide a platform from which the council and community can work closely with Greenspot, Shell and the likes of the Western Sydney University to undertake the most important actions to grow and diversify our economy."
With a total area of more than 600 hectares, the Wallerawang site offers great opportunity to create an employment and lifestyle precinct with businesses of the future, all within a wonderful landscape.
