Neoen goes public with new plans for scaled back wind farm and a four-hour big battery

French renewable energy giant Neoen is seeking public comment on a proposed wind farm and four-hour big battery project in southwest New South Wales, after scaling back the wind component of the project following completion of detailed site surveys.

Originally proposed in 2023 as an 800 megawatt (MW) wind farm, the proposed Tchelery Wind Farm project is now proposed at 577 MW with an up to 350 MW/1,450 MWh battery.

The project is in the advanced stages of development, with a scoping report submitted in June 2023 and SEARs received in July 2023. The project has also been referred for environmental assessment under the federal EPBC Act.

Located in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ) of NSW, the proposed wind farm is expected to consist of 74 wind turbines generating up to a total of 577 MW and the battery to store up to 350 MW for more than four hours.

Neoen Australia is holding community drop-sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to share project information with locals and to get feedback on the project.

The first of the drop-in sessions is being held at the Deniliquin RSL Club in Deniliquin from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 4, with another two to be held on Wednesday, March 5; 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Moulamein Bowling Club in Moulamein, and 4:00pm to 6:30pm at the Hay Bowling Club in Hay.

In addition to the 2.12GWh of renewable energy the project is expected to produce each year, Neoen has committed to bringing benefits to the local community, and will also pay local landowners for hosting wind turbines.

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