Plans for new wind energy project on public exhibition

NSW could see a further 530,000 homes powered by clean renewable energy, with plans for a wind energy project and battery storage system in the Central-West Orana region now on exhibition for community feedback.

The Spicers Creek Wind Farm project would be located approximately 25 km north west of Gulgong and 35 km north east of Wellington in NSW, within the Dubbo Regional and Warrumbungle Shire Council areas.

The Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Energy, Resources and Industry Assessments, Clay Preshaw encouraged the community to have their say on the proposed plans.

“Local residents and stakeholders have a vital role to play in the development of this project which, if approved, seeks to deliver up to 117 wind turbines that could produce 700-megawatts of electricity for 370,000 homes across NSW,” Mr Preshaw said.

“That’s equivalent to around half the generating capacity of the Mt Piper coal fired power station in the NSW Southern Highlands.

“It would also feature a 400-megawatt, with up to 1,800-megawatt per hour battery energy storage system, that would capture, store and distribute energy to 160,000 homes, which would contribute to grid stability and energy security.”

The proposal on exhibition also contains details of how the infrastructure needed to support the project will be delivered, including local road upgrades, access tracks, electrical infrastructure, temporary construction facilities and the creation of 320 jobs during the construction phase and 12 ongoing jobs.

The project is part of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which is one of five areas identified by the NSW Government that will play a vital role in delivering affordable energy generation for the state over the coming decades.

All feedback provided will be addressed by the applicant and be reviewed as part of the Department of Planning and Environment’s rigorous assessment process.

For more information and to have your say by Thursday 24 August 2023, visit Spicers Creek Wind Farm on the NSW Planning Portal.