Scoping report lodged for 400-MW solar project in New South Wales

Renewable energy developer UPC/AC Renewables Pty Ltd is proposing to build a 400-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) complex in New South Wales’ Central West tablelands region.

The company has submitted a scoping report to the state’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), which will make certain requirements that will then need to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The so-called Stubbo Solar Farm project will be located within the state’s first pilot Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) zone, requiring an investment of over AUD 30 million (USD 19m/EUR 17.6m), the developer said last week.

Planned to be installed on sheep grazing land in the Mid-Western Regional Council local government area, the PV park is expected to produce enough electricity to supply 150,000 local homes and offset 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually. Potentially, it will be coupled with a battery storage system but the specifics of the particular technology are still being considered. The capacity of the facility will be determined during the detailed design stage, with options under consideration including 50 MW, 100 MW and 200 MW.

“The sizing of the BESS is also likely to be driven by government policy, given the current focus on mechanisms to ensure reliability and dispatchability of renewable energy power generation,” the developer said in the scoping report.

UPC/AC Renewables is a joint venture of UPC Renewables Australia Pty Ltd and AC Energy, which is part of the Philippines' Ayala Corp (PSE:AC). The duo earlier this year unveiled plans for an 800-MW wind farm in New South Wales.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.635/EUR 0.585)

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