Global solar business ib vogt has held the first round of community information sessions for the proposed solar farm north of Deepwater. Senior Development Manager, Terry Daly, led discussion about the project, outlining the scope and design as well as fielding questions from local residents. Sessions were held on Thursday 30th January at the Highlands Hub in Glen Innes and the Deepwater School of Arts Hall. The Deepwater session attracted more than 20 people.
The proposed solar farm would see approximately 240,000 solar panels installed on a 1,000 acre site, spread across 3 different properties. The facility would also include a 120 MW battery – which will supply power to the grid for around 4 hours each night – and a substation for connecting to the grid. The farm would connect to the existing transmission line running through the site, and would not require any new transmission lines to be built.
Terry Daly said that the project would employ as many as 130 people during the peak period of construction, and up to 10-12 staff once completed. There would also be community benefit funding available on a yearly basis.
Project planning includes environmental studies of the site, aboriginal cultural heritage studies, water and flooding assessment, and agricultural impact assessment. Sheep will be able to graze across the majority of the site. Consultants will advise on glint and glare management, visual impact and landscaping, with tree lines planted between the panels and the New England Highway. There will also be fire management procedures in place. “There will be a large water tank on site, along with fire fighting equipment. Each container for the battery has its own fire suppression system, and the Rural Fire Service will need to sign off on everything,” said Daly.
Local residents had many questions to ask about the project, and expressed a range of views. Some gave enthusiastic support, citing the environmental benefits of renewable energy and possible deflationary impacts on electricity pricing. There was also some opposition, with specific concerns including the visual impact and how the project would be funded. Daly claimed that the project would not receive any government funding at all, and that any finance would come from banks and other sources. He also stated that solar now delivers the cheapest wholesale electricity prices compared to other sources. All participants were encouraged to complete feedback forms, and provide further details of any concerns.
The company is planning further community consultation, including more information sessions. If the state government signs off on the development application, construction for the project could start some time in 2027.
