The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has approved two new solar farm projects: a $407 million solar farm in Darlington Point and a $262 million solar farm in the state’s Central West.
The 275-megawatt (MW) Darlington Point Solar Farm will be positioned approximately 10 kilometres south of Darlington Point and will be built on 975 hectares of flat and open terrain (traditionally used for grazing) – making it an ideal location for solar photovoltaic electricity generation.
The project will be owned and operated by Australian renewable energy company, Edify Energy, and is estimated to offer employment opportunities for 300 personnel during construction and five full-time employees for ongoing operations.
Resource Assessments Director, Clay Preshaw said the multi-million Darlington Point Solar Farm will power over 130,000 homes each year, boost the local economy and help cut Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“The project has been assessed on its merits, under planning legislation and clear official policies to consider any potential benefits or impacts to the environment, the economy and the community,” Mr Preshaw stated.
Photon Energy Australia’s 170-MW Suntop Solar Farm project was also approved and will be located on a 517-hectare site, approximately 10 kilometres west of Wellington. Once operational, the Suntop Solar Farm will have the ability to power up to 70,000 homes and will be a great addition to the hub of renewable energy projects which are already established in the area.
The Suntop Solar Farm will also include opportunities for up to 250 construction jobs, which is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2019.
More information on the Darlington Point Solar farm can be found here and more information on the Suntop Solar Farm can be found here.