The New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia has approved the Goulburn River solar farm, a 450MW renewable energy project set to provide electricity to 191,000 homes annually.
The A$880m ($591m) development, situated near Merriwa in the Upper Hunter region, integrates a battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance grid stability by storing and dispatching solar energy during peak demand.
The strategic initiative places the solar farm between two key Renewable Energy Zones, offering direct access to the existing electricity transmission network.
The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in NSW by 733,000t each year, contributing to the state's net zero emission goals.
The construction phase is expected to create 350 jobs, with a focus on hiring local workers and engaging regional businesses.
The development will also include additional infrastructure such as road upgrades and worker accommodations in response to community input.
New South Wales minister for the Hunter region Yasmin Catley stated: “The $880m 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.”
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully sated: “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.”
In May 2024, the NSW government launched a tender to secure long-duration energy storage projects, targeting 1GW of storage capacity with an eight-hour duration.
