Recently shifting its focus towards renewables, New South Wales has passed through another large-scale renewables project, approving a 125MW (AC) solar farm in Maryvale.
The $188 million project will be situated near Wellington admist the state’s Central-West Renewable Energy Zone. The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said the project was assessed on its potential merits, of which the Department has confidence will be advantageous for the local and state-wide community.
Additionally, the Department analysed all potential impacts that the project could create for the natural and agricultural environments, stating it will have minimal effects on these surrounds.
The farm will be part of five solar projects across NSW, with the total capacity sitting at more than 1GW. Co-developed by Photon and Canadian Solar, the projects will include a 316MW facility nearby Gunning and several others across Gunnedah, Suntop and Mumbil.
These developments are all to be located in the newly announced renewable energy zone, of which NSW energy minister Matt Kean said carries the aim to support 3,000MW of wind and solar to the market. It also hopes to replace the ageing coal generators across the state.
Initially, the deal for Photon was to give up half of its interest in the plants to Canadian Solar, who would then carry 51 per cent across the projects. Meanwhile, Photon would hold the equity in Gunning and the shared balance with Polpo Investments across four other developments.
At the time of this announcement, Canadian Solar said NSW was the “sleeper sate” in the nation’s large-scale solar landscape.
NSW’s commitment to a sustainable energy future
Situated approximately 15km north-west of Wellington, the 150-hectare solar farm in Maryvale will still be used for livestock grazing, while it takes on its new role in renewables. Currently, a 132KV powerline is running through space, which will enable connections to the existing grid. A substation will be added in the near future.
The Department of Planning said the solar industry in NSW is growing as a crucial part of the shift to cleaner energy sources, with intentions to commit to a more sustainable future. It was also noted that the development would create up to 150 local jobs over 12 months of construction.
Wellington is also the site for an India-based solar contract that has Sterling and Wilson Solar creating a 200MW farm, which has just commenced construction.
