AirTrunk lines up up to 610MW of Hunter wind and solar for Kurri Kurri

AirTrunk has agreed to deal exclusively with European Energy Australia on three proposed New South Wales projects: 260 MW of solar, wind of up to 350 MW, and a battery storing more than 800 MWh. The companies announced the arrangement on 12 November 2026, and the projects all sit within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. AirTrunk says the output is meant to serve its NSW electricity needs, including the proposed Kurri Kurri data centre campus. W.Media added the two generation projects together to reach 610 MW.

The solar farm and battery are aimed at starting operation in 2030, and the wind farm in 2032. European Energy intends to connect them to Ausgrid's upgraded 132 kV network, which depends on final connection arrangements, approvals and technical studies. The parties are talking about a possible long-term power purchase agreement, but nothing has been signed, and the length and terms of the exclusivity period have not been made public.

RenewEconomy reported that the generation and battery proposals have not yet been submitted for approval and that no financiers have committed funds. That outlet described the battery as 600 MW and 800 MWh, while AirTrunk's release states only the 800+ MWh capacity. No cost for the projects has been disclosed.

The Kurri Kurri campus is proposed for the former Hydro Aluminium smelter site at Loxford. W.Media reported that the planning application for the campus lists total power consumption of 550.5 MW, and that public exhibition ran until 11 November. The Newcastle Herald, as relayed by Voltgrid, reported that Cessnock City Council voted unanimously to object, although the NSW government rather than the council decides the application. The Herald also reported that AirTrunk may use the nearby Snowy Hydro gas peaking plant in the meantime, a point the company's release does not address.

AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda said, "Digital growth must bring new energy with it." AVP Energy Sabooh Whitelaw acknowledged the Hunter projects will not meet all demand, adding that "more renewable generation and firming will be needed to support Kurri Kurri and AirTrunk’s wider NSW needs."

Under the federal government's expectations, new data centres should secure additional clean generation or storage to offset their demand, while NSW guidelines expect operators to fund the extra supply and infrastructure their projects need. AirTrunk has a goal of matching all its electricity use with renewables by 2030, and about 73 per cent was matched in FY26. The deal follows the 31 MW Mulwala Solar Farm, also owned by European Energy, which officially opened in the week of the announcement; RenewEconomy reported AirTrunk already holds a PPA for part of its output.