Edify Energy’s Brewongle Solar and Battery Project Update
Australian renewable and storage developer Edify Energy has submitted a new solar and storage project for federal environmental assessment, marking the third such proposal in the past two months. The Brewongle solar farm is set to house a 90MW PV generator alongside a 90MW/180MWh battery energy storage system within the Central West Orana renewable energy zone near Bathurst, New South Wales.
Edify Energy, based in Sydney, has been actively expanding its portfolio, with the Brewongle project being one of 12 renewable energy initiatives currently in development. The company has recently added the Burroway solar farm, Peninsula solar farm, and closed a deal with Rio Tinto to supply power from its Smoky Creek and Guthrie’s Gap solar farms to the Gladstone smelter and refineries.
Expanding Renewable Energy Portfolio
With a substantial pipeline valued at $2.8 billion, Edify Energy is reportedly exploring a potential sale, with Lazard Australia engaged to seek out buyers. The company’s development pipeline includes 11.25GW of projects, with plans for 18% to be construction-ready by the end of this year, followed by 39% in 2026 and the remaining 43% in 2027. Currently, Edify Energy operates six solar farms and two battery energy storage sites.
In addition to the Brewongle project, Edify Energy has also initiated the EPBC process for the Callide solar power station, Muskerry solar farm, and Pleystowe battery energy storage system in Queensland.
Environmental Impact and Mitigation
The Brewongle solar farm will be connected to Transgrid’s transmission line and is situated on land previously used for intensive agriculture, resulting in limited native flora and fauna habitats. Surveys conducted as part of the EPBC referral did not identify any occurrences of listed threatened species or communities within the area. Edify Energy plans to incorporate sheep grazing, particularly merinos, on the site, aligning with the existing agricultural practices of the landowner.
The NSW Department of Agriculture has requested detailed plans from Edify Energy regarding the management of 1000 sheep across the 299-hectare site. This includes infrastructure requirements, pasture and weed management, as well as specifics on the sheep population in terms of age, sex, and intended use for meat or wool production.
Overall, the Brewongle solar farm represents Edify Energy’s commitment to sustainable energy development, integrating renewable power generation with innovative solutions for land use and biodiversity conservation.
