The NSW Government is accelerating the delivery of reliable renewable energy to the Upper Hunter Region following the approval of a large solar farm that will generate enough electricity to power about 191,000 homes each year.
The $880 million project, 28 kilometres south-west of Merriwa, will reduce greenhouse gases across NSW, eliminating about 733,000 tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide helping NSW move towards its net zero emission targets.
With a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW), the Goulburn River Solar Farm includes a battery energy storage system (BESS) that will store solar energy for dispatch to the grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand, increasing grid stability and energy security to local communities.
The project is located between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, and will have direct access to the existing electricity transmission network.
The project will generate 350 construction jobs and support the local regional economy by preferencing local workers and businesses in the construction and operation of the project.
In response to community feedback the applicant amended the project to include additional road upgrade works and construction of a workers accommodation facility onsite and revised the project area to further avoid potential biodiversity impacts.
The Goulburn River Solar Farm is the ninth solar farm and twenty-fifth renewable energy project approved under the Minns Labor Government.
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Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Under our Government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions.
"With 350 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, local communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of project.
"This project is one of many that is part of the state's growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come."
Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"The $880 million project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter region, bringing a major boost to local jobs.
"Today's announcement further shores up our region as a renewable energy powerhouse, that will power communities for decades to come."
