Southern-most Solar Farm and Big Battery Approved in Tasmania
Federal environmental planners have given the green light to the expansive Weasel solar farm and battery project in Tasmania’s central highlands without any conditions attached.
The initiative involves the establishment of a 250-megawatt (MW) solar facility accompanied by a substantial 144 MW, 576 MWh large battery to store surplus solar energy, while also allowing for solar grazing on the premises.
Development Details
The project is spearheaded by local farming families, namely the Downie family from Dungrove, known for their involvement in the Cattle Hill wind farm, and the Bowden family from Weasel Plains, in collaboration with Andrew Clark from Alternate Path.
The construction of the project is scheduled to commence towards the end of 2026, with the commissioning expected in the latter half of 2027, pending local development approval and grid connection.
Future Plans
Additionally, the project developers are also working on the proposed 350 MW Cellars Hill wind project on the opposite side of the same road, contributing to the vision of establishing an industrial precinct centred around data centres and alternative fuel production to boost employment opportunities in the area.
Clark expressed that the Weasel solar farm marks a crucial initial phase in kickstarting renewable energy generation and infrastructure to support the precinct, with plans for the Highland Renewable Energy Business Hub adjacent to the solar farm already in progress and receiving positive feedback from stakeholders and regulators.
Unique Location and Features
The Weasel solar project is set to become Australia’s most southern solar farm, benefitting from extended daylight hours during the summer compared to northern regions and peak usage hours nationally. It is situated further south than the 288 MW Connorville solar farm currently being constructed near Cressy.
Given the local landowners’ involvement in the project, incorporating sheep grazing into the solar farm is a natural progression, as highlighted in the EPBC application.
Integration of Agrisolar
The developers are keen on integrating agrisolar into the project, with plans to incorporate it early on to leverage benefits such as providing additional shelter for livestock.
Key considerations for implementing agrisolar include panel row spacing, clearance heights, working with land contours to minimise earthworks, and strategically locating water points and paddocks.
The project is gradually incorporating details on grazing sheep under solar panels, aligning farmer concerns like managing weeds and pasture with developer considerations such as ensuring the safety of livestock around the panels and proximity to water sources.
Rachel Williamson is a science and business journalist focusing on climate change-related health and environmental issues.
