Green light for Sundown solar farm, as expected approval brings power for 144,000 homes
A 360-megawatt solar farm and battery storage system has been approved for the New England Renewable Energy Zone, clearing the way for a project that will generate enough renewable electricity to power around 144,000 households while the land keeps working as a farm.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) signed off on the Sundown Solar Farm (SSD-8911), to be built in the Inverell Shire local government area, about 30 kilometres east of Inverell and 38 kilometres west of Glen Innes.
The approval comes as little surprise given that substantive local objections to the project were few compared to the ideological opposition from outside the area, with oppose submissions coming from as far away as Brisbane and Wangaratta, and the bulk from Sydney suburbs.
Sundown SF Subco Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Recurrent Energy, sought approval for the 360 MW solar farm along with a 150 MW / 600 MW-hour battery energy storage system (BESS). In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found the project would contribute to electricity generation in line with the NSW Government’s strategic planning framework and deliver economic benefits to the region.
The site will remain a working farm, with sheep grazing able to continue beneath the panels where practicable.
The application still went to the IPC for determination because more than 50 public objections were lodged with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure during its assessment. A two-member panel, comprising Sarah Dining as chair and Michael Wright, met with key stakeholders, carried out a site inspection and locality tour, and received 19 written submissions before reaching its decision.
To address concerns raised about traffic, site access and fire risk, the Commission has attached a set of conditions to the approval. These require a Traffic Management Plan to be prepared in consultation with Transport for NSW, Inverell Shire Council and Glen Innes Severn Shire Council, and sections of Spring Mountain Road to be sealed in line with council requirements and in consultation with affected landowners.
The developer must also repair any damage caused to Sturmans Road and Spring Mountain Road during construction, upgrading and decommissioning, put comprehensive dust management measures in place, and install and maintain stock exclusion fencing along parts of Spring Mountain Road. A fire safety study must be completed before construction begins.
The Sundown Solar Farm is one of a growing number of large-scale renewable energy projects being approved within the New England Renewable Energy Zone, one of several zones the NSW Government has designated to fast-track wind, solar and battery development in the state’s regions.
All documents relating to the assessment and determination of the application, including the full Statement of Reasons, are available on the Commission’s website at ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/sundown-solar-farm.
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