Sunraysia Solar Farm
255MWDC utility-scale solar PV project.
Sunraysia Solar Farm
Completed at the beginning of 2022, Sunraysia Solar Farm is a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) farm near Balranald in southern New South Wales.
Development Approval
Financial Close
100% Piling
100% Mechanical Installation
100% Electrical Installation
100% Substation Construction
100% Substation energised
100% Commissioned
100% Solar farm energised
255MWp
solar PV projects
10km2
surface
750,000+
solar modules
12 mths
project planned
Project Details
Sunraysia Solar Farm Pty Ltd involves the development of a utility scale solar photovoltaic (PV) farm near Balranald in southern New South Wales; the Sunraysia Solar Farm will have a total capacity of 255MWp which shall be completed in 1 stage.
The Balranald Solar Farm proposal would provide the following benefits, specific to Australia's commitments- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions required to meet our energy demands
- Assisting the transition towards cleaner electricity generation
- Direct contribution to help in meeting the RET
Additionally, the proposal would allow for the
- Provision of embedded electricity generation, to supply into the Australian grid closer to the main consumption centres.
- Provision of social and economic benefits, through the provision of direct and indirect employment opportunities during construction and operation of the project
The Balranald Solar Farm proposal site is located around 17km south of the Balranald town centre and around 140km south east of Mildura, within the Balranald Shire Council Local Government Area (LGA). The site is accessed from Yanga Way (also known as Mallee Highway and Tooleybuc-Balranald Road) located to the east.
Site Planning
Given the capital cost of the project, its development application will be assessed by the NSW Department of Planning.
In this context, a Scoping Report for the Sunraysia Solar Farm has been lodged with the state planning in May 2016.
These requirements are now being used as a basis for the current Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken by Sunraysia Solar Farm Two Pty Ltd.
Site Location
The Sunraysia Solar Farm site comprises of around 1000 hectares of private freehold land. Below is a preliminary layout based on the technical assessment and consultation undertaken to date.
This preliminary layout provides for up to 200 megawatts peak AC (MWp) of solar panels; however, it may be amended to reflect the results of on-going technical assessments and discussions with the local community and regulators.
Studies undertaken will include
- Heritage (including Aboriginal heritage);
- Visual amenity;
- Noise assessment;
- Soils and water;
- Traffic assessment;
Community Benefits
Engagement with the local community is a critical objective of the Sunraysia project and is integral to this project. We would like to ensure that open dialogue can occur with local residents, stakeholders and the wider community in an easy and efficient manner. We are also proud to sponsor the local community.
Environmental
This report identifies and assesses the environmental issues associated with the construction, operation, upgrade and decommissioning of the proposed project.