One of the four large renewable and storage projects granted grid access to the south-west renewable energy zone in NSW has been given final state planning approval, after being forced to go to an independent tribunal because of the number of largely long-distance objections.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission on Thursday announced that it has granted approval, with conditions, to the Pottinger Wind Farm project, which is being developed by AGL Energy and Someva Renewables in a farming region around 60kms south of Hay.
The Pottinger project has approval for a 1,300 megawatt (MW) wind farm, comprising up to 247 turbines, and a 500 MW / 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
However, its size is to be capped – at least for the time being – because of the competition for grid access rights in the newly created, but undersized South West renewable energy zone.
The Pottinger project has been granted 831 MW of wind capacity, and a 400 MW, 1600 MWh battery – although there are moves afoot with this and other projects to try and boost the capacity of the local REZ, or find other solutions on the local network.
Pottinger was referred to the IPC because it received 83 objections – the trigger for IPC referral in NSW is 50 objections – but 77 of these objections came from people living more than 50 kms away, or even interstate. There were 9 submissions from locals, and all supported the project.
The IPC says the three-member Panel, comprising Richard Pearson (Chair), Sarah Dinning and Michael Wright, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, and held public meetings in Hay and Deniliquin where they heard from 33 speakers and received 56 written submissions.
The IPC says the site is particularly suitable for this project due to its strong wind resource, sparse population, direct access to the electricity grid and minimal impact on agricultural activities, and because it supports the NSW Government’s commitments to transition to clean energy.”
It has imposed conditions that include avoiding impacts on threatened species, preparing an accommodation strategy that ensures on-site accommodation and health services, minimising road and traffic disruptions, and developing a comprehensive emergency plan with Rural Fire Service.
Jamie Chivers, the managing director of Someva Renewables, said construction is likely to start in late 2026, subject to a financial investment decision.
“Pottinger Energy Park is a transformational project that will not only play an important role in NSW’s energy transition, but also provide a major boost to communities throughout the Riverina,” Chivers said in a statement.
“We’re proud of the deep community support Pottinger Energy Park has received since Someva Renewables and AGL first started meeting face to face with landholders, local councils and the broader community in 2021.
“I’d like to thank all of those involved in the project to date – including our joint venture partner AGL, our project hosts and neighbours, local landholders, the Edward River and Hay Shire Councils as well as local First Nations, business and community groups.”
AGL’s head of power development Travis Hughes said Pottinger is one of the biggest renewable energy projects in AGL’s development pipeline. “Planning approval is a crucial milestone as we progress our plans with our development partner, Someva, ahead of a potential final investment decision in 2026.”
The project is expected to deliver substantial direct benefits to the community of at least $26 million across 30 years. This is in addition to tens of millions in indirect benefits such as host and neighbour payments and broader economic stimulus through new job and business creation.
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