Australia’s Largest Solar-Battery Hybrid Project Receives Federal Approval for Construction
Plans are now set in motion for what is expected to be Australia’s largest solar-battery hybrid project to date, following the federal government’s environmental approval without any additional conditions.
Ark Energy’s Richmond Valley Solar Farm, proposed to be located at Myrtle Creek near Casino in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, had been awaiting this green light after securing state planning approvals and backing from NSW Labor’s long-duration storage tender.
Finalised Project Specifications
With this full approval, Ark Energy can advance with the construction of the project, which will feature solar capacity of up to 435 MW (ac) along with a battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of 475 MW and holding 3,148 megawatt-hours (MWh).
Initially, Ark Energy had sought assessment under the EPBC Act for a project including 500 MW of solar power and a 275 MW, 2,200 MWh (eight-hour) BESS. However, at the beginning of the month, they received permission to implement some significant yet minor modifications.
Key Enhancements and Adjustments
As reported by Renew Economy, a substantial change involved increasing the projector’s BESS capacity from 275 MW to 475 MW, which Ark Energy claims will enhance the battery’s relationship with the solar farm.
This adjustment expanded the footprint of the planned battery from 5 hectares to 9 hectares, necessitating the addition of 80 more inverters, while the total area for the solar farm was reduced by 14 hectares.
Further alterations to the solar element of the project included relocating the fence line, adjusting the transmission connection point, and refining the layout of the solar panels in response to the discovery of certain plant species.
Creating Jobs and Supporting the Community
Ark Energy has engaged the Spanish company Elecnor as the early works contractor for the Richmond Valley project, with construction expected to commence early next year. This initiative is anticipated to generate 327 jobs during its construction phase, along with up to 15 permanent operational positions.
Moreover, the project is set to benefit the local community through a proposed $11 million Voluntary Planning Agreement with the Richmond Valley Council.
As a subsidiary of Korean Zinc, Ark Energy has been actively pursuing renewable energy development in Australia, specifically for its smelting operations in north Queensland, as well as other projects across the nation.
The Richmond Valley Solar Farm marks Ark Energy’s second state-approved venture in NSW, with final approvals pending for the first stage of the Bowmans Creek wind farm, which is expected to deliver 335 MW and is set within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. This project gained state planning approval last year from the Independent Planning Commission.
For more insights, refer to Renew Economy’s Big Battery Storage Map of Australia.
