Year in review – 2025
As we look back on 2025, we are proud of the progress and milestones we have achieved this year.
1 December 2025
Our projects
Planning
Local Government Area
Step 1
Project identification and site selection
Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints. Our team then begins community consultation.
Project identification and site selection
Step 2
Project feasibility and community engagement
Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.
Project feasibility and community engagement
Step 3
Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement
A Development Application is made and an EIS prepared which involves a wide range of studies to address stakeholder feedback received to date and to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.
Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement
Step 4
Public exhibition and submissions report
The EIS is placed on public exhibition through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Interested members of the public are invited to have their say during the exhibition period by way of formal submissions. A Submissions Report is then prepared, which aims to respond to the submissions received.
Public exhibition and submissions report
Step 5
Assessment and development consent
The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, Development Consent is granted alongside a range of conditions specific to the project.
Assessment and development consent
Step 6
Post approval, contracting and financing
A lead contractor(s) to build the project is appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.
Post approval, contracting and financing
Step 7
Procurement
During this phase our lead contractor(s) engages contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components.
Procurement
Step 8
Early works and design
Initial site activities start. Off-site detailed design commences in parallel.
Early works and design
Step 9
Construction - Civil Works
During this phase of construction, the majority of the civil works takes place. The community is kept informed about temporary impacts during the construction phase.
Construction - Civil Works
Step 10
Construction - mechanical and electrical completion
During this phase, the major equipment packages are delivered to site. Electrical cabling, buildings and amenities are then installed and major equipment connections are made to complete construction.
Construction - mechanical and electrical completion
Step 11
Commissioning & handover
Electricity and other external service connections are completed and then equipment undergoes performance testing. During this stage, the project will come to life with equipment starting up for short periods of time, until the commissioning team is satisfied with the performance and operational safety. Operators will be trained during commissioning before commencing operations.
Commissioning & handover
Step 12
Operations
The project is operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.
Operations
Step 13
Decommissioning
At the end of the project’s useful life, the asset and electrical equipment will be either replaced or the project will be decommissioned. The site will then be returned to its original use or re-purposed for other development.
Decommissioning
Firming backs up variable energy, using large scale batteries, pumped hydro and gas peaking plants.
Australia’s ageing coal-fired power stations are reaching the end of their life. To deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy to Australian businesses and homes, we’re building wind and solar farms, backed by firming. Our Illawarra and Dubbo Firming Power Stations are deliberately designed to play an important but transitional role in supporting reliability, as more renewables and batteries are built, and coal power is phased out.
Illawarra Firming Power Station will be located in the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The Illawarra region hosts major energy, port and transport infrastructure and an existing skilled workforce, making it an ideal area for a REZ.
For more information on the Illawarra REZ, visit: https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ilw-rez
We share the benefits of our projects by supporting communities over the long term. We do this through a range of opportunities such as community benefits funds, voluntary planning agreements, community sponsorship and grant initiatives.
We recognise that each community is different, and we aim to tailor benefits at each project and make positive lasting contribution to each region.
Each of our projects has a community sponsorship program, which provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the local project area.
Key areas for the program include:
• Education and training initiatives
• Community development programs
• Health and wellbeing
• Environmental initiatives
Applications are open for community sponsorship. Please contact us using the details below for more information about Illawarra Firming Power Station community sponsorship opportunities. Download and complete the Community Sponsorship Application and forward with any relevant documentation to info@squadronenergy.com.
Alternatively, you can complete and submit the form online via the link below.
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September 2025 - Project Update
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