140MW solar farm in New South Wales gets the nod

The $85.61m project is expected to power over 52,000 homes.

New South Wales’ Department of Planning and Environment has approved the $85.61m (A$119m) 140MW solar farm project in Mulwala, near Albury.

Clay Preshaw, Resource and Energy Assessments director, said in an announcement that the solar farm will power more than 52,000 homes, boost the economies for local communities, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. “The short-term benefits would be an increased workforce of about 130 construction jobs during building and on-going maintenance jobs afterwards,” he added.

The NSW Government assesses applications on their merits, under planning legislation, and official policies to consider any potential benefits or impacts to the environment, the economy, and the community.

The project approval followed the release of a new Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline developed by the department and designed to lead applicants and the community through the assessment process for state significant solar farm proposals.

Also read: Edify Energy inks PPA for 275MW New South Wales solar farm

On 14 December, NSW also announced the approval of the $61m, 47MW solar farm in Gregadoo. To date, the NSW Government and independent regional planning panels have approved a total of 51 large-scale solar projects across the state, the official added.