Australia’s biggest solar-battery hybrid project gets state planning approval

Ark Energy says it has received state planning approval from its Richmond Valley solar and battery project – with a potential 435 MW of solar capacity and up to 3,175 MWh of battery storage that would make it the biggest solar hybrid facility in the country.

Ark Energy is the Australian renewable and storage developer offshoot of Korean Zinc and has been active building renewable sources for its smelter in north Queensland, and other projects around the country.

CEO Michael Choi says the Richmond Valley solar hybrid has been in development since 2019. In late 2023 it was announced as one of the winners of the state government’s long duration tender, part of its infrastructure roadmap to replace its ageing coal generators.

That tender win was for an eight hour battery component totalling 275 MW and 2,200 MWh – itself the biggest contract awarded for a project of that type.

But the state planning approval allows for a solar farm of up to 435 MW (ac) and a battery up to 475 MW and 3,148 MWh, to allow for degradation.

“The Richmond Valley Solar and BESS site is in an excellent location, and the project will play an important role in supporting the state’s energy transition,” Choi said in a statement.

It is the second approval project in NSW for Ark Energy, which is also waiting for final approvals for the 335 MW first stage of the Bowmans Creek wind farm, to be located within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. That project won state planning approval last year from the Independent Planning Commission.

Ark Energy has already appointed Spanish company Elecnor as early works contractor to the Richmond Valley solar battery hybrid project, with work to begin early next year. The project will create 327 jobs during construction and up to 15 ongoing operational roles.

The project will also support the community with a proposed $11 million Voluntary Planning Agreement with Richmond Valley Council, which could help fund community projects such as halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.

The fact that it is a solar battery hybrid, with eight hours of storage, means that the solar can be stored on site, rather than sent to the grid when not needed, and then dispatched in the evening demand peaks.

“Projects like the Richmond Valley Solar Farm are crucial to lowering energy costs, reducing emissions, and securing long-term energy reliability,” planning minister Paul Scully said in a statement.

“Once up and running the project will be able to power around 175,000 homes each year, which to put it into perspective means it could power every home in the Northern Rivers region- that was recorded in the 2021 census- and 31 000 more.

“It also includes battery storage which means even when the sun doesn’t shine stored energy can still be sent to the grid.”

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