Approved $880m Goulburn River Solar Farm to generate 350 construction jobs

The New South Wales Government has given the green light to build a new large-scale solar farm in the Upper Hunter Region. 

The $880 million 450MW Goulburn River Solar Farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) will generate enough renewable electricity to power up to 191,000 homes annually as well as store solar energy for dispatch to the grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand times. 

Not only will this new solar farm increase grid stability and energy security for local communities, but it will also help drive down greenhouse gases across the State by eliminating around 733,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum – aiding New South Wales move towards its net zero emissions targets. 

“The $880 million project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter region, bringing a major boost to local jobs. 

“Today’s announcement further shores up our region as a renewable energy powerhouse, that will power communities for decades to come,” Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said. 

The Goulburn River Solar Farm is going to be located about 28 kilometres south-west of Merriwa, between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ. The solar farm’s location will enable it to have direct access to the existing electricity transmission network. 

This renewable energy project is anticipated to create 350 construction jobs and support the local regional economy by focusing on engaging with local workers and businesses during the construction and operation stages of the Goulburn River Solar Farm. 

In response to community feedback, the developer amended the project to include additional road upgrade works and establishing a worker's accommodation facility on site. In addition, the project area was also revised to further avoid potential biodiversity impacts. 

“Under our Government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions. 

“With 350 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, local communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of the project. 

“This project is one of many that is part of the state’s growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Lightsource BP; Yahoo! Finance; Renew Economy