ERM Power NSW director Andy Pittlik visited Wellington last week and spoke in detail to the Wellington Times about the gas-fired power station and the effects it would have on the town.

“It will be a different effect from what the jail had,” he said.

“We have a larger research component and will have an influx of people coming in to study and monitor the site.

“It could be world class and get international attention from the scientific community.

“The end result will be very positive.”

The site will be situated next to Transgrid’s sub-station on the Twelve Mile Road and Mr Pittlik believes it is the best piece of land in the State.

“It has a good grid connection,” he said.

“The land is great and it has great solar characteristics.

“There are reasonable amounts of land nearby, and is the best solar and grid combination in NSW.”

The delay last year has given the power company an opportunity to refine plans.

“We have new machines which beat our noise goals,” Mr Pittlik said.

“It basically means our noise problems go away.

“In terms of visual impact, the stacks are the same height and there are fewer machines; we have three instead of four.

“We did an environmental assessment and will be planting trees to cover the machines.”

As for a time frame, construction is hoped to begin next year.

“The NSW privatisation is on track,” Mr Pittlik.

“We see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The demand for electricity is increasing and we need to provide it.”