The sight of a solar farm generating energy on the same land where an open-cut coal mine operated less than a decade ago is an undisputed sign that the transition to a renewable energy economy is underway.
But how quickly will this transition occur?
While forecasts about its longevity vary, there is little doubt that the coal industry will continue to play a significant role in the Hunter's economy for the foreseeable future.
At the same time, the renewable energy sector is gaining more momentum with each passing year.
The 25 megawatt Maxwell solar farm, to be built on the site of the former Anglo open-cut mine near, will have the capacity to power 10,000 homes.
While that may only be a fraction of the capacity of the nearby Bayswater and Liddell power stations that generate 2640 megawatts and 2051 megawatts respectively, its output needs to be seen in the context of other renewable projects that have been approved or are coming online in the region.
The Department of Planning approved a 62 megawatt solar farm at Vales Point power station in late 2028.
Among the large-scale renewable energy projects due to come on-line in the next decade is a 250 megawatt wind farm at Bowman's Creek.
AGL, which is planning to close Liddell power station in the near future, has signed an agreement with Idemitsu Australia Resources to undertake an engineering feasibility study for a 250-megawatt pumped hydro project at Bells Mountain.
The company has also lodged a development application for a 250 megawatt gas-fired power station at Tomago.
Cumulatively these and other projects will have more output capacity than is presently produced by the region's coal-fired power plants.
How quickly the transition to a viable renewable energy sector occurs will be the result of a combination of market forces but also government policy.
A responsible transition policy needs to recognise the social and economic value of existing coal industry jobs but also chart a way forward for the creation of new jobs in the clean energy sector.
While coal may be needed to supply reliable, cost effective power in the short term, there is no question that the shift towards renewable energy is a force that cannot be stopped.
Issue: 39406
