Two Solar and Battery Projects Reviewed by Independent Panel Due to Distant Objections
Two significant solar and battery initiatives have been forwarded for assessment by an independent panel due to the intervention of distant objectors, many of whom are from outside the state.
The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) in New South Wales will evaluate Spark Energy’s proposed 800 megawatt (MW) Dinawan solar and battery project, which includes a 356 MW / 1,574 megawatt hour (MWh) battery, alongside Edify Energy’s 100 MW Burroway solar project that also features a 100 MW, 400 MWh battery.
Growing List of Renewable Projects Under Review
These projects are the latest addition to a series of renewable energy and storage developments – such as large battery installations near Albury and Deniliquin – that have been submitted for IPC scrutiny following NSW planning regulations which trigger a review after receiving over 50 submissions.
Interestingly, most of these projects face minimal opposition from local communities. For instance, the Dinawan solar-battery project, part of a significant energy hub including a wind farm, attracted just three objections from within a 5-kilometre radius, while 11 came from within 100 kilometres, and a further 66 from beyond that distance, including 12 from interstate.
Objectors and Local Support
Among the objection letters were three advocacy groups, one of which is the Queensland-based Climate and Energy Realists. This group argues that “there is no climate emergency” and advocates for the elimination of energy subsidies, despite supporting nuclear power, which itself necessitates considerable subsidies or direct government investment for development.
Notably, no significant opposition came from major agencies or the local council regarding the Dinawan project, and Spark made modifications following dialogue with these authorities.
Situated between Coleambally and Jerilderie in south-west NSW, the Dinawan project is located near two operational solar farms (Coleambally and Darlington Point) and is surrounded by several other proposed solar and wind projects, including Australia’s largest wind farm at Yanco Delta.
Concerns Raised Over Burroway Project
In contrast, the Burroway project, which is near Narromine in central-west NSW, received approximately 81 objections. Similar to Dinawan, no objections were lodged from within 5 km, but 18 objections originated from interstate, with five from special interest groups, including another Queensland group, Rainforest Reserves.
Many of the concerns voiced centred around the reliability of renewable energy and the potential loss of agricultural land, with Rainforest Reserves warning that the project might inflict “substantial, irreversible harm to the Dubbo region.”
In light of feedback from state agencies and local councils, Edify adjusted its traffic management strategies and agreed to provide temporary accommodation for the estimated 250 workers needed during construction.
