New England solar-battery hybrid project receives grid connection approval
Recurrent Energy, a global leader in renewable energy development, has received grid connection approval for an extensive solar-battery hybrid project in New South Wales’ (NSW) largest renewable energy zone.
The Sundown project, located in the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), comprises a 360 megawatt (MW) solar installation accompanied by a 150 MW battery system designed for four-hour energy storage.
Approval Marking a Significant Milestone
As reported by the developer, which is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, the Grid Connection Approval for Sundown Energy Park was achieved in accordance with clause 5.3.4 of the National Electricity Rules. This development signifies a major milestone in the progression of one of Australia’s most pivotal hybrid renewable energy projects.
The project began its journey through the NSW planning process eight years ago, according to Renewmap, although it still faces additional challenges before advancing beyond the cumbersome state development framework.
Public Objections and Next Steps
Situated beneath a 300 kilovolt (kV) transmission line leading north from Armidale and falling within the development corridor for the 500 kV QNI Connect line, the project has encountered significant local opposition. During the public consultation phase, it attracted 134 objections out of a total of 144 submissions, necessitating further approval from the state’s Independent Planning Commission.
Notably, a substantial portion of the objections—58 per cent—came from individuals residing more than 100 kilometres away. Analysis by Recurrent revealed that of the 133 community objections, 34 originated from Inverell, the nearby town, with most concerns revolving around traffic disruptions and potential agricultural impacts.
Innovative Agricultural Practices
The Sundown project is designed to incorporate grazing alongside solar power generation, with plans aligned with the guidelines set out in the Agrivoltaics Handbook, released for solar developers and landholders last year. The project aims to ensure the safety of sheep while they graze beneath the solar arrays.
Community Sentiment and Wider Landscape
Despite the opposition faced by Sundown, it is not entirely negative for renewable projects in the region. The 730 MW Winterbourne wind project, located to the south of Armidale, received a greater number of supportive submissions than objections, indicating some level of acceptance for renewable energy initiatives.
The New England REZ, intended to boost network capacity by 8 gigawatts (GW), has experienced strong local resistance, particularly from residents influenced by Barnaby Joyce, the anti-renewables local politician, who resides just outside the zone. Concerns over communication with EnergyCo, the state body managing the REZ rollout, have exacerbated community frustrations.
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