Mint Renewables’ Magpie Hill Solar-Battery Project Enters NSW Planning Phase

Mint Renewables Engages Community for Magpie Hill Solar Farm Plans

Mint Renewables, a renewable energy developer based in Melbourne, has kicked off its community engagement for the proposed Magpie Hill solar farm, which boasts a capacity of 360 megawatts (MW), alongside a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 1,440-megawatt-hours (MWh).

The company, which was established in 2022, announced on Monday that it is reaching out to the community regarding this solar farm and battery, set to be located approximately 6 kilometres southwest of Tarago in New South Wales’ Southern Tablelands.

Project Details

The solar farm is earmarked for a site of approximately 750 hectares, although the final area will be influenced by planning and environmental assessments, grid requirements, technology decisions, and input from stakeholders and local residents.

A significant aspect being examined is the site’s proximity to a pre-existing 330kV overhead transmission line, enabling a seamless connection to the local electricity grid while minimising the need for additional transmission infrastructure.

Capacity and Community Engagement

At this preliminary stage, the solar farm is aiming for an “approximate capacity” of 360 MW, with the BESS anticipated to also feature a four-hour capacity of 360 MW, translating to 1,440 MWh.

Should these proposals receive the green light, the Magpie Hill solar farm could produce enough energy to power around 127,000 homes, while the BESS would be capable of supplying energy to over 500,000 homes for four hours.

As part of the initial development phase, Mint Renewables is organising multiple drop-in information sessions to inform local residents about the project. Four sessions are scheduled for next week in Tarago and the neighbouring Bungendore area.

In Tarago, three sessions will take place at the Tarago Town Hall on the following dates: