NSW Approves 215-MW Solar-Plus-Storage Park

• NSW's Renewable Energy Zone is set to get a boost with a 215-MW solar park & 50 MW/50 MWh battery storage facility, creating jobs and powering 78,000 homes - with strict measures to protect the local area.

The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has issued a conditional approval for a 215-MW solar park and 50 MW/50 MWh battery storage facility in the state's New England Renewable Energy Zone. The AUD-370-million project, proposed by Oxley Solar Development Pty Ltd, has faced opposition due to potential visual impact, proximity to a national park and the Gara River and potential disruption to local wildlife.
The Planning Commission has imposed a range of conditions to the project approval, including an updated landscape plan, additional vegetation and land rehabilitation. Regular monitoring and reporting will also be required. Once completed, the solar plant will comprise 385,280 panels and produce electricity for 78,000 average homes a year, while creating 300 jobs during the construction phase.

Has the NSW Planning Commission Approved Oxley Solar's Project?

• The New South Wales Planning Commission has approved Oxley Solar’s project, issuing a conditional approval for a 215-MW solar park and 50 MW/50 MWh battery storage facility in the state's New England Renewable Energy Zone.
• The project, proposed by Oxley Solar Development Pty Ltd, is estimated to cost AUD-370 million and will create 300 jobs during the construction phase.
• The project has faced opposition due to potential visual impact, proximity to a national park and the Gara River, and potential disruption to local wildlife.
• To ensure the project meets a range of conditions, the Planning Commission has imposed an updated landscape plan, additional vegetation and land rehabilitation. Regular monitoring and reporting will also be required.
• Upon completion, the solar plant will comprise 385,280 panels and produce electricity for 78,000 average homes a year.