The Hunter has long been the energy capital of NSW. As coal-fired power stations are retired, the region is well placed to continue this role and benefit from economic growth through renewable energy generation. The Bowmans Creek Wind Farm project area is approximately 12 km east of Muswellbrook, within the Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Council and Upper Hunter Shire Council areas. Host and nearby localities are Bowmans Creek, Goorangoola, Hebden, Rouchel Brook, David Creek, Muscle Creek, McCully’s Gap and Rouchel.

Stage 1 of Bowmans Creek Wind Farm has been approved and will involve 54 wind turbines with a generation capacity of 335 MW. Ark Energy intends to submit a modification application to add a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a power capacity of 250 MW and energy storage capacity of up to 2,000 MWh over eight hours.

A separate development application has been lodged for Stage 2, to add a further 21 wind turbines.