TotalEnergies Secures Approval for 320-MW Solar Project

• TotalEnergies' 320-MW solar park near Tamworth gains conditional approval, promising cleaner energy for 122,200 homes and addressing community concerns with environmental safeguards.

TotalEnergies Renewables Australia Pty Ltd has received conditional approval from New South Wales' Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for a 320-MW solar park equipped with a battery energy storage system (BESS). The project, located 22 km south of Tamworth, addresses community concerns raised during the initial approval process, receiving over 50 public objections.

Conditions set by the IPC include vegetation screening, soil surveys, dust mitigation measures, and a comprehensive management plan. The solar park is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 122,200 homes annually once operational, enhancing the region's renewable energy capabilities.

What conditions did the IPC impose on TotalEnergies' new solar park approval?

Here are the conditions imposed by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) on TotalEnergies' new solar park approval, presented in a bulleted list:

• Vegetation Screening: Implementation of effective vegetation screening to minimize visual impacts on neighboring properties, ensuring that the solar park integrates harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
• Soil Surveys: Conducting detailed soil surveys prior to construction to assess soil quality and stability, which is essential to avoiding potential land degradation and ensuring the project's environmental sustainability.
• Dust Mitigation Measures: Development of a robust dust management plan to control airborne dust particles during the construction phase, protecting local air quality and minimizing nuisance to nearby residents.
• Comprehensive Management Plan: Creating a detailed management plan that addresses operational and environmental considerations throughout the lifecycle of the solar park, including maintenance protocols and monitoring systems.
• Community Engagement: Commitment to ongoing community engagement initiatives to keep local stakeholders informed and involved in the project's development and operation, helping to foster transparency and address any emerging concerns.
• Biodiversity Protection Measures: Implementation of measures to protect local biodiversity and habitats, ensuring that any potential impacts on wildlife are carefully managed and reduced.
• Water Management Strategies: Establishing water management strategies to prevent sediment runoff and maintain water quality in nearby waterways, thereby protecting local ecosystems.
• Emergency Response Planning: Development of an emergency response plan to address any potential incidents during construction and operation, ensuring preparedness and safety for workers and the community.

These conditions reflect the IPC's commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the community while promoting sustainable development in the region.