Goulburn River solar

A proposed 550MWdc solar farm and battery energy storage system

The Goulburn River project consists of a 550MWdc solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS), located between Wollar and Merriwa, on Wollara Road, in the Upper Hunter Region of NSW.

Lightsource bp will construct and operate the solar project and deliver renewable energy to Australia’s grid. Additionally, the solar project includes a battery to shift renewable energy to night-time peaks and support the reliable operation of Australia’s grid. The solar project will also include operation and maintenance buildings, civil works, and electrical infrastructure required to connect to the existing electricity network. Construction on the associated road upgrades is set to begin towards the end of 2024, and the project will provide up to 350 FTE construction roles throughout the two-year construction process.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project was submitted in May 2023. Following feedback from the community, stakeholders, and government agencies we have made minor adjustments and improvements in the project design. The Project Response to Submissions Report and Amendment Report were submitted in December 2023. Key amendments proposed in response to insights from the EIS exhibition focussed on additional improvements to public roads, an altered transport route for construction traffic and layout changes to further avoid biodiversity impacts.

Currently, the project is investigating the opportunity to include a temporary workforce accommodation camp within the solar farm site. This will form a new Amendment Report, which will be assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure over the coming months. We expect a decision on the development application in the middle of 2024.