Someva Renewables and AGL have today welcomed EnergyCo's decision to award the proposed Pottinger Energy Park an Access Right in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ).
The proposed Pottinger Energy Park is being jointly developed by Someva Renewables and AGL Energy. The Park will include up to 831 megawatts (MW) of wind which is expected to provide electricity to power the equivalent of the annual needs of over 510,000 average NSW households. This will be supported by a 400 MW / 1,600 MWh grid-scale battery connected to the Project EnergyConnect transmission network.
If approved, the project could create up to 550 jobs at peak construction and 35 ongoing roles throughout its operational life.
The Pottinger Energy Park is among the first projects to be granted an access right under a NSW Government Renewable Energy Zone access scheme.
Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables said: "The awarding of an Access Right in the South West REZ marks an important step forward for the Pottinger Energy Park. The Pottinger Energy Park is expected to provide a major boost to the Riverina's economy and make a lasting contribution to NSW's renewable energy ambitions," Mr Chivers said. "We're proud to be working with our joint venture partner AGL to ensure this project delivers direct benefits to local landholders, to local businesses and the entire Riverina region, while playing an important role in NSW's energy transition. We're also proud to be working closely with local landholders, Hay Shire Council, Edward River Council, First Nations groups, community groups and the local community to deliver this critical project. With construction slated to begin in late 2026, the Pottinger Energy Park is ready to help transform NSW's energy system," said Mr Chivers.
AGL General Manager, Power Development, Travis Hughes said: "Pottinger Energy Park forms part of AGL's ambition to add 12 GW of new renewable generation and firming by the end of 2035 and is progressing toward providing important renewable energy and storage for the NSW grid. Following our engagement with the local community, including First Nations Groups, the Park has strong support and is set to deliver a major boost to the Riverina economy."
The Pottinger Energy Park has been developed in close collaboration with the local community, receiving widespread support and recognition for its commitment to community co-design. With strong backing from the Hay Shire Council and Edward River Council, and a comprehensive Community Benefits Program established, the Pottinger Energy Park is well positioned to deliver substantial direct benefits to the community of at least $26 million across 30 years. This is in addition to tens of millions in indirect benefits such as host and neighbour payments and broader economic stimulus through new job and business creation.
Jamie Chivers added: "From the outset, this project has been about working with the local community to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are shared. From supporting more resilient and sustainable local farming operations, to providing employment and training opportunities and direct support for community and First Nations groups, the Pottinger Energy Park is designed with the region's long-term prosperity in mind."
