New solar farm to power up to 92,000 homes

Up to 92,000 homes in the Southern Tablelands will soon be powered by renewable energy following the approval of a new solar farm 12km south-west of Gunning.

The $651 million solar farm, which received planning approval this week, will help secure New South Wales’ energy future and reduce emissions by about 353,153 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

With a capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), the project includes a four-hour battery energy storage system of 150 MW / 600 MW hours (MWh) that will store solar energy for dispatch to the grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand, increasing grid stability and energy security.

This will mean the battery will be able to supply up to 60,000 NSW households at peak demand.

The NSW Government is working closely with communities to make sure they see the material benefits of these projects with Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the community to receive $4.7 million over the life of the solar farm for community projects.

Throughout its construction, the project will also create 350 jobs while bringing investment and construction to the area.
Following consultation with the community, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has established conditions of consent around the project, including additional road upgrades.

As NSW rolls out more renewable energy projects, households and families will see energy costs come down while contributing to a reduction in emissions.

The Gunning solar farm is the 11th solar farm and 28th renewable energy project approved under the Minns Labor Government.

For more information about the Gunning Solar Farm visit NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“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 $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.

“This Southern Tablelands solar farm is part of the NSW 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 NSW, 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.”