Tasmania’s Central Highlands Solar and Battery Project
A significant solar and battery project has been proposed for Tasmania’s central highlands region, spearheaded by local farming families and a company with a track record in large-scale wind projects in the area.
The Weasel solar project, situated near the small community of Hermitage along the Highland-Lakes Road, is set to feature a 250-megawatt (MW) solar facility paired with a substantial 144 MW, 576 MWh big battery designed to store surplus solar energy.
Collaborative Effort
The initiative is a joint effort by local landowners, namely the Downie family from Dungrove and the Bowden family from Weasel Plains, in partnership with Andrew Clark from Alternate Path. Clark’s company is also at the forefront of the proposed 350 MW Cellars Hill wind project located on the opposite side of the same road.
Renewable Energy Expansion
Andrew Clark’s vision extends to establishing an industrial precinct in the region, with a focus on potential data centres and alternative fuel production. The Cellars Hill wind project, in addition to the Weasel solar project, forms part of this ambitious plan, with the former set to incorporate a massive 600 MW, 2,400 MWh battery system.
The Weasel solar project’s website proudly declares it will be Australia’s southernmost solar farm, benefitting from extended summer daylight hours compared to northern regions, aligning with peak national energy consumption periods. Notably, it is positioned further south than the 288 MW Connorville solar farm currently in progress near Cressy.
Agrisolar Benefits
The project’s development on grazing land aims to harmoniously coexist with existing sheep farming activities. The application for EPBC approval emphasises the goal of establishing a symbiotic relationship that supports both agriculture and renewable energy production.
Highlighting the advantages of Agrisolar, the application underscores benefits such as enhanced grass management, emissions reduction, optimal land utilisation, provision of shade for livestock, and decreased evaporation rates.
Local Heritage and Commitment
The EPBC application recognises the primary landowner as a “local, multi-generational Tasmanian farming family” with a longstanding legacy in the Central Highlands region. The project area also encompasses land owned by private landholders and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
The application further notes the proponent’s enduring presence in the region, spanning over 150 years of sheep and cattle farming. Recent endeavours include the development of renewable energy infrastructure within the Central Highlands, exemplified by the Cattle Hill Wind Farm and the Cellars Hill Wind Farm.
