Pumped hydro project scrapped after developer deems it unviable

Key points

• Developer Alinta Energy has withdrawn plans for a $1.8 billion pumped hydro project in northern NSW, saying economic and timing challenges made it unviable. The 900 megawatt Oven Mountain scheme was one of the largest projects in the Armidale Renewable Energy Zone and was planned near Carrai.
• It is the second major renewable project to be dropped this month, after Origin Energy scrapped the Skye Ridge Wind Farm.
• Armidale Shire Mayor Sam Coupland said the council was shocked and questioned whether planning rules had become too onerous.