Canadian Solar Inc. has received planning approval to build a facility that will include a 250 MW solar park and a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in New South Wales, Australia.
$651M Gunning Solar Park Will Be Connected to the Grid
Canadian Solar, an international renewables developer has received approval from the New South Wales (NSW) government for its planned 250 MW Gunning Solar Farm and a 150 MW four-hour battery energy storage system in the Southern Tablelands.
This AU$651 million (USD 430 million) project will cover a 676-hectare site near Gunning, roughly 245 km southwest of Sydney. It will connect to the national electricity grid via Transgrid's nearby 330 kV transmission line.
Gunning Solar Park to Power 92,000 Homes in Southern Tablelands
The Gunning Solar Park will feature Canadian Solar’s bifacial panels mounted on single-axis trackers. Once operational, it is projected to generate enough energy to power up to 92,000 homes in the Southern Tablelands. The solar park will include a four-hour battery system to store excess solar energy and supply it back to the grid during peak demand times.
“This Southern Tablelands solar farm is part of the New South Wales government’s commitment to generate the clean energy we need to reach our 2050 net zero emissions target. We have a booming solar industry in New South Wales, which will become a vital part of our energy mix and job sector as we see coal-fired power stations retire in the coming years,” said Paul Scully, New South Wales minister for planning and public spaces.
Gunning Solar Park to Contribute to Local Community and Create Jobs
Community engagement is a central focus of the Gunning Solar Park project, as it is with many Australian solar PV developments. Canadian Solar plans to contribute AU$4.7 million to the local community over the farm's operational lifespan, with the NSW government collaborating closely with Upper Lachlan Shire Council to oversee these efforts. Additionally, the project will create 350 jobs during construction.
“We are working with regional communities as more renewables are rolled out, so they see the best outcomes from these projects. In this case Upper Lachlan Shire Council will see a AU$4.7 million investment which will then flow into community projects. Feedback from the community around this project was built into the conditions of consent and as result, Lade Vale will see additional road upgrades.” said Paul Scully, New South Wales minister for planning and public spaces.
The Gunning Solar Park is the latest project from Canadian Solar in Australia, adding to the company's successful developments, including the 150 MW Suntop and 110 MW Gunnedah solar farms in New South Wales. Located on agricultural land currently used for sheep grazing, the Gunning solar park is expected to have a 35-year operational lifespan, with construction taking approximately 18 months to complete.