Sundown Solar Project Approved with Dust Mitigation Conditions
The Sundown solar and battery initiative located in the New England region of New South Wales has successfully received final approval from the state’s planning authority, contingent upon the paving of a road to mitigate any dust issues for a neighbouring property.
Occupying a site in Spring Mountain within the New England renewable energy zone (REZ), this ambitious project boasts a capacity of 350 megawatts of solar energy alongside a 150 megawatt, four-hour battery storage system. The plan underwent further scrutiny after it garnered 133 objections, primarily from distant residents, during the initial planning phase.
Independent Planning Commission’s Decision
The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) reached its final decision in just two months. Amid the process, a public hearing was called off due to only one registration — from a council representative already engaged in discussions with the IPC. Notably, none of the 133 objectors attended the hearing, although the IPC did receive an additional 19 submissions expressing equal amounts of support and concern, including from a neighbour who highlighted dust-related issues.
Conditions for Approval
With this green light, developer Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, now faces the task of securing a grid connection and finalising the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) process after the project was classified as a controlled action in 2022.
A key condition imposed by the IPC mandates the paving of specific segments of Spring Mountain road, which is a dirt track that registered concerns from a direct neighbour of the solar site. This landowner commented, “Spring Mountain road dissects Warrawee, splitting the property into two parcels on either side of the road.” They further noted, “Our cattle have right of way across the road, and our staff, contractors and vehicles rely on Spring Mountain Road and its bridge crossing of Swan Brook as our only access in and out of the property.”
Ensuring Safety and Accessibility
The IPC underscored the importance of safeguarding the well-being of farm workers from potential dust and traffic hazards, alongside ensuring safe movement of cattle between properties. Consequently, Recurrent Energy will be responsible for sealing the road adjacent to residential and agricultural facilities, which include a house, a rainwater tank, and cattle yards.
Furthermore, the project must guarantee that the Swan Brook bridge remains accessible throughout the construction period, as well as installing cattle-proof fencing along certain lengths of the road.
Project’s Context within the Renewable Energy Zone
This solar initiative is situated alongside an existing 330 kilovolt (kV) power line and is located at a strategic point within the New England REZ, an area hosting two operational wind farms, various approved wind and solar projects, and additional developments in progress.
The IPC acknowledged the high level of concern among locals regarding the potential impact of heavy vehicles related to the project, stating that although the community would experience some effects, “these impacts are not so significant that they justify refusal of the Project,” particularly when balanced against the proposed mitigating measures.
Sundown ranks as Recurrent Energy’s largest solar undertaking in Australia, according to project tracker Renewmap, which also lists five standalone battery projects in progress and two that are co-located with Sundown and the currently operating Carwarp solar farm.
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