Planning Approved for Solar and Battery Hybrid Project in Merredin

Approval Granted for Major Solar and Battery Project in Western Australia

Atmos Renewables and Nomad Energy have reportedly received planning approval for an innovative solar and battery hybrid facility in Merredin, a town situated in the Western Australian wheatbelt. This project is being developed alongside a separate battery installation currently under construction.

Valued at $335 million, the Ngaangk Boodja battery and solar farm will feature a substantial 158 megawatt (DC) solar array, complemented by a 642 megawatt-hour (MWh) DC-coupled battery. This advanced battery system will have the capability to export up to 100 MW for periods exceeding six hours.

Project Approval and Timeline

The state planning panel has recommended the project for approval, with a meeting scheduled for this Thursday to finalise discussions. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2027.

In addition to this new endeavour, Atmos and Nomad are already working on the Merredin battery, which will have a capacity of 100 MW and 400 MWh, and is located near an existing substation and the long-standing 132 MW Merredin solar farm.

Project Specifications

According to Atmos and Nomad, the Ngaangk Boodja project will occupy only half the land required for the current Merredin solar farm. This is likely due to advancements in solar module efficiency. The new installation will require between 240,000 and 260,000 solar panels alongside 120 to 130 battery modules.

Named “Sun Country” in the Noongar language, the Ngaangk Boodja project will be situated approximately 7.5 kilometres to the south-west of Merredin.

Construction and Employment Opportunities

Construction of the new solar and battery farm is expected to span 18 to 24 months, providing employment for around 200 individuals at its peak. This initiative is part of a broader trend in Western Australia, which already hosts the nation’s first large-scale solar and battery hybrid facility at Cunderdin. Additionally, several similar projects are on the horizon within the state’s primary grid, including two recently awarded contracts under the Capacity Investment Scheme tender.

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