The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission in Australia has approved the 100MW Wallaroo Solar Farm which includes a solar-plus-storage system with certain conditions.
Wallaroo Solar Farm to Power 40,000 Homes
The Wallaroo solar farm will be located in the Yass Valley local government area, close to the New South Wales-Australian Capital Territory border. Once operational, the solar farm is projected to generate electricity for approximately 40,000 homes. The project will feature a 45MW/90MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) alongside the solar installation.
Wallaroo Solar Farm
The Wallaroo Solar Farm is a joint venture proposed by New Energy Development, an Australian renewable energy company based in Canberra and Univergy International.
Energy Transition Project to Reduce Emissions
In June 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure finalized its whole-of-government assessment of the Wallaroo Solar Farm. The application was forwarded to the commission for a decision due to objections from the Yass Valley Council and at least 50 individuals.
The three-member Commission Panel approved development consent for the project, with conditions. In the Statement of Reasons for Decision, the planning commission stated that the project 'will support the state and national energy transition by reducing emissions from other forms of electricity generation' and is 'aligned with the policy framework for renewable energy.'
The commission has imposed several conditions for the solar PV project’s development, addressing concerns raised by the local community. These conditions include planting vegetation for visual screening, developing a Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan and upgrading roads and intersections. Additionally, the applicant must consult with NSW and Australian Capital Territory agencies to prepare various management plans.
Solar Project to Boost Renewable Energy Capacity in Australia
According to the project's scoping report, it will cover 391 hectares, with approximately 209 hectares dedicated to solar arrays and associated infrastructure. An onsite substation will also be included. The solar PV component will feature about 261,000 solar modules and 40 inverters and it will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Construction is expected to take nine to twelve months, with peak activity spanning roughly six months. The project will operate for 30 years and is estimated to cost around AU$170 million (US$113 million).