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Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Centennial Coal, EnergyAustralia and Springvale SK Kores on the procurement of a critical water treatment plant and associated pipeline to service Springvale Mine and Mt Piper Power Station. The project achieved financial close on 13 November 2017.

The water treatment facility will allow the beneficial reuse of water from Springvale Mine use by Mt Piper Power Station. The Mt Piper Power Station can provide up to 15% of New South Wales’ electricity demand.

The project will deliver a positive environmental outcome by redirecting the mine water, currently discharged to the Coxs River and the Sydney drinking water catchment, to the water treatment facility at Mt Piper Power Station.   

The successful tenderer for the project was a consortium led by Veolia Water Australia and Infrastructure Capital Group.

Herbert Smith Freehills partners Andrew Griffiths, Will Oxby, Nick Cowie, Nick Baker and Jon Evans led a cross practice team advising Centennial Coal, EnergyAustralia and Springvale SK Kores on the competitive procurement of the project, assessment of tenders, project documents, environmental issues, planning, construction and financing arrangements.

Separate Herbert Smith Freehills teams advised EnergyAustralia in relation to planning and Centennial Coal in relation to intra-customer arrangements. The planning team was led by partner Peter Briggs while the Centennial Team was led by partner Matt Fitzgerald.  

Andrew Griffiths commented on the project, saying: “we have advised on this essential project throughout the procurement process and are delighted to see it now reach financial close.”

He went on to add: “This is a critical infrastructure project for New South Wales providing for future energy security for the State and delivering improved environmental outcomes. Centennial Coal, EnergyAustralia and Springvale SK Kores should be congratulated for their commitment to delivering an outstanding project in challenging circumstances.”

Gilbert + Tobin advised the consortium and King & Wood Mallesons advised the consortium’s debt financiers in relation to the project.