Muswellbrook Solar Farm Gains Approval for Development on Former Coal Mine Site

Strategic Insights -

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the proposed 482-hectare Muswellbrook Solar Farm to be built on the site of the former Muswellbrook Coal Mine, marking a significant step forward for renewable energy development in the Upper Hunter region. The project, located within the Muswellbrook Local Government Area and the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCC REZ), includes a 135-megawatt solar farm, a 135 MW/270 MWh battery, and associated infrastructure. The solar farm is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 52,310 homes, and its approval comes after the commission assessed the proposal and considered community concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project will be built on a 482-hectare site at the former Muswellbrook Coal Mine, approximately 2.5 kilometers east of Muswellbrook town.
  • The Muswellbrook Solar Farm will include a 135-megawatt solar farm, a 135 MW/270 MWh battery, and associated infrastructure.
  • The solar farm will connect to the existing Ausgrid 132 kV transmission line and is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 52,310 homes.
  • The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure referred the proposal to the Independent Planning Commission for determination due to receiving more than 50 public objections during the assessment phase.
  • The commission conducted a site inspection and locality tour, sought additional information from the applicant and the department, and held a public meeting where they heard from 12 speakers and received 44 written submissions.
  • The commission imposed conditions of consent to manage and mitigate impacts on the community, including preparation of a detailed traffic management plan, a voluntary planning agreement with council, a comprehensive waste management plan, a biodiversity management plan, and an accommodation and employment strategy.
  • The Muswellbrook Shire Council mayor, Jeff Drayton, stated that the approval was a clear vote of confidence in the region's continued role in Australia's energy supply and that the council had set clear expectations for the responsible disposal of solar panels.

Statistics:

  • 482-hectare site area for the Muswellbrook Solar Farm
  • 135-megawatt solar farm capacity
  • 135 MW/270 MWh battery capacity
  • 52,310 homes powered by the solar farm
  • 50 public objections received during the assessment phase
  • 12 speakers heard during the public meeting
  • 44 written submissions received during the public meeting
  • 3-member commission panel assessing the proposal
  • 482 hectares as 98% of the total project area

Sources:

  • Elka Devney, "Former Upper Hunter coal mine site gains approval for solar farm"
  • NSW Independent Planning Commission, "Statement of Reasons: Muswellbrook Solar Farm"
  • Muswellbrook Shire Council, "Muswellbrook Solar Farm Project"