The NSW Government has approved the $1.2 billion Richmond Valley solar farm near Rappville in the Northern Rivers, which will generate enough clean energy to power around 175,000 homes each year.
The Ark Energy led project will create up to 342 jobs – including 327 during construction and up to 15 ongoing operational roles – and significantly reduce carbon emissions across the state, supporting NSW’s transition to net zero by 2050.
The project will also support the community with a proposed $11 million voluntary planning agreement with Richmond Valley Council, which could help fund community projects such as halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.
The Richmond Valley solar farm is the 14th solar farm and 21st renewable energy generation project approved by the current government, in addition to 15 standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) and two major transmission lines approved during this period.
With a capacity of 435 megawatts (MW), the Richmond Valley Solar Farm includes a 475MW / 3,148MW-hour (MWh) BESS that stores solar energy for dispatch to the electricity grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand.
The project went through a comprehensive assessment considering key matters such as energy transition, amenity, agricultural land, biodiversity and traffic. In consultation with council and relevant government agencies, clear conditions have been set so all potential impacts are appropriately minimised and managed.
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