Agrivoltaic Project in New England
The local subsidiary of the Philippines’ renewable energy company, Acen, is in the process of seeking environmental approval from the federal government for a proposed 320MW solar project. This project includes an up to 1,400MW two-hour big battery and aims to potentially integrate with agricultural activities.
The envisioned Deeargee Solar and Battery Project is planned to be situated just south of Uralla in eastern New South Wales, within the New England Renewable Energy Zone. Spanning across approximately 959 hectares of land currently utilised for grazing and cropping, the project holds significant promise for sustainable energy generation.
Environmental Approval Process
ACEN Australia, the entity responsible for managing Acen’s renewable energy assets, is actively pursuing a referral decision for the project from the Australian government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act. The current status of the project involves soliciting public feedback on whether to proceed with seeking development approval.
Project Details and Community Response
The proposed solar project boasts a capacity of up to 320MW, with plans to incorporate a battery energy storage system capable of storing up to 1,400MW for two hours. Interestingly, the system could potentially be configured as a 700MW four-hour energy storage solution, as outlined in the referral documentation.
Feedback from the local community has been described as “varied,” encompassing both positive and negative sentiments across a spectrum of concerns. While apprehensions regarding the use of prime agricultural land and the project’s impact on the community have been raised, Acen Australia has noted a significant level of local interest in the prospect of integrating the solar infrastructure with existing agricultural practices.
Anticipated to comprise around 750,000 solar PV modules alongside essential infrastructure, the project aims to generate power equivalent to the consumption needs of approximately 160,000 average households, contributing significantly to the region’s renewable energy capacity.
Project Progress and Future Outlook
If approved, this initiative would mark Acen’s second solar project in the vicinity of Uralla, following the 720MW New England Solar project located to the east of the town. The current project is being developed in phases, with the initial 400MW stage completed in 2023. Subsequently, the ongoing construction includes the implementation of a 200MW/400MWh battery energy storage system to enhance the project’s operational capabilities.
Overall, the Deeargee Solar and Battery Project represents a significant step towards advancing renewable energy infrastructure in the region, with the potential to drive sustainable development and energy security for local communities.
