Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash
A 25MW solar farm is being proposed for the New South Wales Hunter Region, near the historic township of Vacy.
The project, by the relatively new Australian renewables developer Rio Indygen, is being proposed for a 50 hectare parcel of land in the Dungog Shire, to be connected to an existing substation at Martins Creek.
According to reports in the Dungog Chronicle, the company – which is also proposing a 17MW solar farm for Nana Glen, and a 10MW project for the Eurobodalla Shire, both in NSW – has secured an option to lease the land in Dungog Shire, and is in the process of submitting a development application to the Shire Council.
The Chronicle also reports that the location of the proposed solar farm is already raising objections from within the surrounding communities, based on concerns about the project’s visual and environmental impacts, and its affect on local agriculture.
The paper quotes project manager Andy Barrow as saying that the solar farm would have a net positive effect on the local economy and environment, including an improved ecosystem.
“The wider economic impact of the building of the solar farm will be felt during the 6 month construction phase,” Barrow said.
“This will include spending at hotels, shops, restaurants, equipment, plant and material suppliers.”
According to the Nana Glen project website, Rio Indygen are an Australian company that have been active in the local market for 18 months.
Managing director David Ashton has most recently worked in the UK market, where he is said to have overseen construction of seven grid-connected solar farms.
For the Nana Glen project, Rio Indygen says it lodged a Development Application with the Coffs Harbour City Council in November last year. The company has also secured the land for the project, which is adjacent to the Essential Energy substation.
The company in February also lodged a development application with Eurobodalla Shire Council for the Bergalia Solar Farm – planned for land south of Moruya – the website says.
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