Federal Approval for Hunter Valley Solar and Battery Project Near Coal Mine
A solar and battery initiative located in the heart of New South Wales’ coal region has received the necessary environmental clearance from the federal government, allowing construction to commence.
Renewables developer OX2 announced on Wednesday that it has obtained EPBC approval for the Muswellbrook solar and storage project. This initiative aims to transform the oldest open-cut mine in the Hunter Valley into a renewable energy hub, which may also incorporate green hydrogen production.
Project Details and Location
The project will feature a 135 megawatt (MW) solar farm alongside a 135 MW/270 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery, situated next to the Muswellbrook Coal Mine, which halted operations in 2022. The land is primarily owned by Idemitsu Australia, the mine operator and co-developer of the project.
In May, the project received state development approval from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) after being reassessed due to over 50 public objections. A report compiled by EMM for the developers indicated that a significant portion of the objections—60 per cent—originated from individuals living more than 100 km away from the proposed site, including several from Queensland.
Conditions and Future Steps
The IPC determined that the former coal mine site was appropriate for the solar and battery project, recognising it as beneficial for the public and aligned with New South Wales’ renewable energy and emissions objectives. However, the Commission imposed several conditions, including a road safety audit, a waste management plan, a biodiversity management plan, and strategies for accommodation and employment, as well as a thorough decommissioning and rehabilitation plan.
At the time of publication, it remained unclear what specific conditions, if any, were attached to the federal environment minister’s approval, as the notice had not yet appeared on the EPBC portal. The latest update regarding the project was released in late July, extending the minister’s decision deadline to August 12, 2025.
OX2’s Vision for Renewable Energy
Despite the uncertainties, OX2 views this approval as a significant milestone in the transition from coal to renewable energy in the state. Catherine Way, OX2 Australia’s director of development, stated, “This is a leading example of the transition of the Upper Hunter Valley from coal mining to innovative post-mining land uses.”
Stephen Symons, OX2 Australia’s country manager, expressed pride in the ongoing progress of their projects in Australia, highlighting the professionalism of their team and the increasing momentum for renewable energy across the nation. OX2’s portfolio in Australia currently encompasses 3.7 GW of solar, wind, and storage projects that are either under development or construction. Additionally, OX2 manages 390 MW of renewable energy assets in Australia.
