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Acen Australia secures IPC approval for 1.2GWh solar-plus-storage project in New South Wales

Renewable energy developer Acen Australia has seen the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approve its 600MW Birriwa solar-plus-storage project.

The project will incorporate a centralised battery energy storage system (BESS) of up to 600MW/1,200MWh for a 2-hour duration. This will enable excess electricity generated by the 600MW solar PV component of the project to be captured and released during periods of high demand.

The system will also provide grid stability services and backup capacity to ensure the security of supply.

This approval also marks the first generation and storage project approved for connection to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission network. The REZ recently transitioned into the delivery phase, as reported by PV Tech last month.

According to planning documents, the project will feature around 1.2 to 1.4 million solar PV modules alongside associated mounting infrastructure up to 4.7m in height. An on-site substation with a connection voltage of up to 500kV will also be created.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 – early 2027 for six months, and it will have an expected operational lifespan of 30 years. However, the project may include infrastructure upgrades that could prolong its longevity.

It is worth noting that the Birriwa solar-plus-storage project will be located next to two other solar projects developed by Acen Australia. These are the 400MW Stubbo solar PV project, at which construction began in November 2022, and the 320MW Narragamba solar project. These projects will connect to new transmission infrastructure developed by the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) as part of the Central-West Orana REZ.

With secured approval, Acen Australia said it will turn its attention to preparing for construction, including developing temporary workers’ accommodation, implementing its strategy to employ local staff where possible, and sourcing goods and services from local businesses.

Acen Australia submitted assessment documents for the Birriwa solar-plus-storage through the Federal government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), last week (12 August).

Construction starts of New England Solar BESS switchyard

Acen Australia also confirmed yesterday (18 August) that construction of a 200MW/400MWh BESS at the site of its proposed 720MW New England Solar project in New South Wales, is one step closer, with work set to commence expanding the Uralla site’s Transgrid switchyard.

The project consists of two stages. The first 400MW stage, comprising about one million solar modules, has been generating clean electricity since 2023. A second stage will then add an additional 320MW of generation capacity alongside the BESS. 

Acen Australia project director Sarah Donnan said: “These initial infrastructure works, to expand the switchyard, are an exciting step in the delivery of what is set to be the first large-scale BESS in New England.”

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