New solar and battery project in Tamworth hinterland
A proposal for a new solar and battery project has emerged for an area south of Tamworth in the New England region of NSW, specifically in Garoo. The project, known as the Garoo solar project, aims to generate 155 megawatts (MW) of solar power alongside a 360 MW/1440 MWh battery on a 368-hectare farmland site intersected by the 330kV Liddle to Tamworth power line.
This initiative marks the debut project for Bright Path Renewables, a new developer founded by Tarek Alsampaile, a former employee of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV). Alsampaile, known for leading FRV’s expansion into New Zealand with the Lauristan solar farm, established Bright Path in mid-2023.
Collaboration and Development
The Garoo project is a joint effort between Bright Path and Jinko Power, a prominent Chinese solar company recognised for its supply of photovoltaic panels in Australia. Jinko Power has been diversifying into project development, as evidenced by its submission of the 600MW Beebo solar farm and 400MW/800MWh battery energy storage system for environmental approval.
Situated in a rural expanse without a central urban hub, the Garoo solar farm will be positioned approximately 10km south of the contentious Middlebrook solar farm and to the north of the substantial 400MW/800MWh Wallabadah BESS. The nearest settlement, Wallabadah, lies 12.6km southwest of the proposed project site.
Community Considerations
Despite the presence of 19 residences within 5km of the project, Alsampaile emphasised the suitability of the land for the solar farm and battery storage system. He highlighted the advantageous grid characteristics and the minimal impact on neighbouring communities as key factors in site selection.
Alsampaile stated, “Regardless of the site’s quality and connection suitability, we prioritise avoiding adverse impacts on communities. The remote location of Garoo aligns with this principle.”
The area’s appeal for battery installations is underscored by the Transgrid power line, which has attracted various battery projects, including the proposed Calala, Tamworth, and Kingsworth BESS projects in Tamworth.
Future Prospects
While the scoping report indicates a potential project commencement in 2028, Alsampaile refrained from speculating on the completion timeline due to the prolonged nature of renewable energy project development. Early stakeholder engagement has commenced, with feedback sought on aspects such as property values and accommodation concerns in the housing-constrained Tamworth region.
For further details on the Garoo solar and BESS proposal, the scoping report is available for reference. Additional information on this project and other battery initiatives across Australia can be accessed through Renew Economy’s Big Battery Storage Map.
