Engie Abandons Yass Solar Project Amid Community Opposition
Engie has decided to scrap its plans for a solar farm on the outskirts of Yass following strong opposition from a local community group. The proposed project, which included a 100MW solar farm and a 250MW / 500 MWh battery storage system, was intended to be situated south-west of Yass, adjacent to the town’s existing substation. However, concerns about the visual impact of the large number of solar panels led to the formation of the Yass Solar Action Group, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the solar component of the project.
Despite abandoning the solar farm, Engie is now exploring the possibility of installing a standalone battery on the site due to its strategic location on the main transmission line between Sydney and southern NSW. The battery project would occupy a significantly smaller footprint of just 10-20 hectares compared to the 350 hectares required for the solar farm.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Engie emphasised the importance of community engagement in its decision-making process and stated that any new project would involve seeking input from local residents before proceeding with a scoping report. The initial proposal would have covered 340 hectares of land, with the development itself occupying 186 hectares.
The project was designed to be a hybrid system where the battery would be directly connected to the solar farm, allowing for the storage of excess electricity during the day and its release during peak periods. This approach mirrors successful projects like the solar hybrid in Cunderdin, Western Australia.
Previous Proposals and Benefits
Before Engie’s involvement, Tetris Energy had proposed a smaller solar project for the same site in 2020, featuring 80MW of solar capacity and a 20MW battery storage system. Engie, known for its renewable energy initiatives, has been offering bill-based benefits to communities near its projects, such as a $1000 annual discount on power bills for residents near The Plains wind farm.
The Yass Valley council had also stipulated bill relief as a condition for approving the project, requiring Engie to establish a Community Enhancement Fund equivalent to 1% of the total project cost. Local energy discounts were also considered as part of Engie’s commitment to the community.
Implications for Future Planning
Experts highlight the significance of Engie’s decision in the context of future energy planning in New South Wales. Consultant Stephanie Bashir emphasises the need for developers to actively participate in the planning of renewable energy zones and projects to ensure community support and efficient resource allocation. She advocates for a more integrated approach that incorporates data from commercial proposals to streamline the energy transition process.
Engie’s shift from a solar farm to a battery installation reflects the evolving landscape of renewable energy projects and the importance of community engagement in sustainable development initiatives. The decision to cancel the solar farm in Yass underscores the complexities of balancing environmental concerns with energy infrastructure development.
