$312m Summerville Solar Farm given the green light for development

The New South Wales Government has green lighted the development of a large-scale solar farm in the Richmond Valley. 

The $312 million project will deliver 90MW solar farm alongside a 360MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) that will capture and release energy generated from the solar panels to the grid during peak times and outside daylight hours. 

The State’s Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) responded to key issues raised, including biodiversity and fire safety, during the community consultation. 

The project’s approval for development comes with strict conditions including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety and others to manage or mitigate any impacts on traffic and the environment. 

The Summerville Solar Farm is still subject to approval from the Australian Government before construction can commence. 

The Summerville Solar Farm and BESS will be built on a 240-hectare private land about 3 kilometres east of Rappville and 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore. 

This renewable energy project is expected to be completed in 2027. Once the Summerville Solar Farm is up and running, it will generate enough clean energy to power more than 36,000 homes and save over 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. 

The project proponent, OX2, will also provide about $3.1 million to Richmond Valley Council to deliver infrastructure and community benefits. 

In addition, the project is anticipated to create 200 local jobs during its construction phase. 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to diversifying energy production and reducing carbon emissions while providing energy security and reliability. 

“Summerville Solar Farm will produce clean energy and bolster the Northern Rivers economy by creating jobs during construction and operational phases. 

“The renewable project will also help renew the community with Richmond Valley Council to receive about $3.12 million to spend on community projects for locals to enjoy. 

“NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network, to deliver even more clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone in NSW,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. 

“This is a big win for our community. Renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build. They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built. 

“I’m also happy to see that the successful tenderer will be delivering some funds to Richmond Valley Council to build local infrastructure and support our local community groups. This project won’t just create jobs, it’ll deliver some much-needed support for our community too,” Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said. 

Since March 2023, the State Government has delivered 34 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments. This includes five wind farms, 12 solar farms and 15 large-scale energy storage systems. 

These projects have a combined generation capacity of 6GW as well as storage 7.8GW / 21.5GWh of energy, saving an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and power 2.78 million homes while also boosting New South Wales’ energy security. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; OX2; PV Magazine Australia; ABC News