Reliable Energy, Responsible Operations
As a major energy supplier to the Australian National Electricity Market, we are committed to the highest standards of environmental management across all our operational sites.
Our environment commitment
Our environment management at Vales Point Power Station is guided by our environment policy and environmental management system, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices.
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems, providing a framework for organisations to enhance their environmental performance. Vales Point Power Station was the first electricity generator in NSW to achieve this standard and has maintained it since 2002, participating in annual third-party audits to verify that ISO 14001 requirements are met.
Read our Environment Policy 2025 (PDF 153KB).
Environmental monitoring and reporting
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) provides the community, industry, and government with valuable information on the types and amounts of substances released into the environment. Over 4,000 facilities across Australia report annually to the NPI, covering a wide range of industries.
At Vales Point Power Station, we prioritise accurate and transparent reporting by primarily using direct measurement methods, including water sampling, continuous monitoring systems, and stack gas testing to calculate annual emissions. Where direct measurement is not possible, we apply NPI-approved emission factors or other estimation techniques.
Detailed annual emission reports for Vales Point Power Station are publicly available on the NPI website. To access our reports, visit the NPI site, select ‘Browse latest data by Company’, and search for Delta.
Environmental monitoring data
Vales Point Power Station implements a Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) and publishes monthly monitoring data covering emissions, ambient air quality and water quality, in accordance with its Environment Protection Licence and legislative requirements, .
Water management
Fresh water is a vital resource in electricity generation, used for high-purity steam production, condensate cooling, domestic supply, and dust suppression.
Vales Point Power Station draws cooling water from Chain Valley Bay in Lake Macquarie to support its operations. In 2008, a water reclamation plant was installed at Vales Point, significantly improving water efficiency. This plant reclaims treated sewage water for use in the demineralisation process, saving up to 230 million litres of fresh water annually.
The Energy Supply Association of Australia recognised this initiative with a Sustainable Practice Framework Award for Industry Innovation, Best Practice Community Consultation, and Stakeholder Support, reinforcing the power station's commitment to sustainable water management.
Environmental study finds Lake Macquarie in good health
The NSW Environment Protection Agency has completed a three-year study into the potential impacts of power stations and coal ash repositories on the environmental health of Lake Macquarie. The study found the lake to be in relatively good condition. Learn more.
Ash management
Vales Point Power Station's ash dams are managed in accordance with strict safety and environmental regulatory conditions, supported by comprehensive management, monitoring, and reporting programs. Learn more.
Sustainability
At Vales Point Power Station, we are committed to planning for the future and reducing our environmental and community impact.
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