The Australian Government has greenlit the construction of a 450-megawatt solar farm in the Upper Hunter, set to generate enough electricity to power 191,000 homes.
The Goulburn River Solar Farm, located 28km southwest of Merriwa, will include the installation of one million solar panels, a battery storage system, and upgrades to local roads, as stated in a media release.
The project is strategically situated between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, providing direct access to the existing electricity transmission network.
“Labor is getting on with the job of transforming Australia into a renewable energy superpower while Peter Dutton’s risky nuclear scheme threatens investment in renewables,” said Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek.
The Goulburn River Solar Farm will not only provide clean energy but also play a role in reducing Australia’s carbon footprint.
The project is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 733,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of taking 220,000 cars off the road for a year.
“Australians face a choice between a renewable energy transition that is already underway and putting downward pressure on energy prices, or footing the bill for an expensive nuclear fantasy that may never happen,” Plibersek added.
The approval of this solar farm is part of a broader push by the government to reach its net zero emissions target by 2050.
“That’s enough energy to power every home in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania,” said Plibersek.
In addition to environmental benefits, the Goulburn River Solar Farm is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating up to 350 construction jobs and 10 full-time roles during its operational phase.
