30 Jul 2013

NSW power stations for sale

6:16 am on 30 July 2013

The state government in New South Wales is to sell two big power stations run by Macquarie Generation.

Treasurer Mike Baird on Tuesday called for expressions of interest for Liddell and Bayswater, which are both coal-fired.

"Being located in the Hunter Valley, (it is) well placed to meet its long-term fuel supply needs," he said.

AAP reports two development sites will also be offered for sale, including a site next to the Bayswater power station with planning approval for another coal or gas generator.

There has been a seres of sales to the private sector after the Tamberlin report.

EnergyAustralia last week bought Delta Electricity's Mount Piper and Wallerawang power stations for $A160 million.

AAP reports Macquarie Generation represents about 26% of the generation capacity in NSW.

Mr Baird said the sale was part of a strategy to raise money for infrastructure projects.

Last month, the Port of Newcastle was leased for 99 years in a deal expected to net the government more than $A700 million. A similar arrangement was finalised in April for Port Botany and Port Kembla for over $A5 billion.

A desalination plant in Sydney was leased for 50 years in 2012 in a $A2.3 billion deal.