Federal Approval for 24/7 Solar Battery Hybrid Project in 19 Days
The federal government has swiftly approved a solar and battery hybrid project in central western New South Wales, achieving this milestone in just 19 days. The Forbes solar initiative, located near the town of Forbes, is set to feature up to 141 MW of solar capacity alongside a 120 MW lithium-ion battery system, boasting a minimum storage capacity of 480 megawatt hours (MWh).
This project is a collaboration between Ace Power and Osaka Gas Australia, a subsidiary of the prominent Japanese industrial firm. According to their application, the solar farm is designed to operate continuously, providing energy around the clock. The system will facilitate energy production from the solar panels, with battery charging and discharging occurring both during daylight hours and potentially at night, depending on grid demands.
Construction on Degraded Land
The site for this development will be on previously disturbed agricultural land with minimal native vegetation, a crucial factor that contributed to the rapid approval process. The project was not required to undergo the EPBC review, expediting its progress. Environment Minister Murray Watt commented on the decision, stating, “By choosing to build this facility on disturbed agricultural land with little native vegetation, the proponent set themselves up for success.” He added that the effective planning has resulted in a quick approval, paving the way for investment and job creation in the Forbes community.
Job Creation and Future Prospects
Construction of the Forbes solar project is anticipated to generate nearly 100 jobs, along with three permanent positions once operational. However, it still awaits planning approval from the New South Wales state government. The application indicates that the battery system could potentially offer up to 960 MWh of storage, equating to eight hours of energy supply.
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