Major solar-plus-storage project greenlit in New South Wales

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains, New South Wales. Source: Robert Lindsell, Flickr

After a long wait, RES has received state development approval for a major 200MW/10MW solar-plus-storage facility in New South Wales.

The state government approved the Avonlie solar farm on August 8, citing the project’s positive economics, which includes 200 local jobs and a capital investment of AU$250 million (US$170 million). The approvals process dates from when RES submitted its initial environmental assessment, in late 2017.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The British developer has billed the Avonlie solar project's proposed 10MW/10MWh lithium-ion battery storage facility as “one of the largest battery facilities in the world.” The farm will comprise 670,000 solar panels over an 802-hectare site and take advantage of its proximity to two electricity transmission lines.

RES will contribute AUS$250,000 (US$170,000) to local projects and community groups and organisations.

The firm estimates the farm will take 18 months to build and will be operational for 30 years. Spanish engineering firm Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has been contracted for the farm’s early works phase.

RES’ other assets in NSW include the 100MW Tarleigh Park farm and the Curra Warra farm, which will total 429MW once the second stage of construction is completed.

NSW is home to some of Australia's biggest commissioned and pipeline solar projects. According to statistics collated by independent climate change communications body the Climate Council, it has the second most wind and solar capacity developed of any Australian state at 1.76GW – trailing closely behind its western neighbour South Australia, which boasts 1.83GW.

Earlier this week in NSW, mining manufacturer Molycop landed a 10-year solar-wind power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy power from the 120MW Bomen Solar Farm for its regional operations.

Read Next

September 15, 2025
UNSW spin-out company Lab360 Solar has been awarded funding from ARENA to bring its drone-based PV inspection technology to market.
September 15, 2025
Australia has reached 26.8GW of installed rooftop solar at the end of the first half of 2025, according to a report from the Clean Energy Council (CIC).
September 10, 2025
The CEFC has said that a coordinated approach to transmission in Pilbara, Western Australia, could save more than AU$30 billion over 25 years.
September 9, 2025
Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) broke records yesterday when renewables supplied 76.4% of total electricity demand, with solar power contributing nearly 60% of the record-breaking clean energy mix.
September 5, 2025
Research firm Rystad Energy has found that Queensland’s utility-scale solar PV power plants have dominated the best-performing assets, in terms of AC capacity factor, rankings for August 2025.
September 4, 2025
ARENA has launched the second funding round of its AU$1 billion Solar Sunshot programme, making AU$150 million available.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines