Tallawang Solar Hybrid project secures access rights

Potentia Energy’s proposed Tallawang Solar Hybrid project has secured access rights in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The Tallawang project includes a 500 MW solar farm, a 500 MW/1000 MWh energy storage system and associated infrastructure. The proposed project will be constructed on a 1300-hectare site, around 8 km north-west of Gulgong.

“Renewable Energy Zones are set to be the beating heart of Australia’s transition to renewable energy and we’re delighted to be a part of that,” Potentia Energy CEO Werther Esposito said. “This project provides the clean generation and storage that Australia needs and is a perfect complement to our growing portfolio of assets across the country.

“It is the latest demonstration of our commitment to Australia’s transition toward a clean energy future as well as a vote of confidence in the value of renewable energy zones.”

Potentia Energy will now continue to progress a range of development activities including further project design work, planning approvals, grid assessments and procurement activities.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community, our host landowners and project partners to deliver Tallawang in a way that genuinely maximises long-term benefits for the region — through jobs, local investment, and shared opportunities,” Esposito said. “Our goal is to thoughtfully minimise potential impacts on the environment and surrounding communities wherever possible.

“The construction phase of the project is expected to have significant economic benefits for the region over an expected three-year construction period.”

The NSW Government will commence construction of the CWO REZ transmission project within months after the recent achievement of financial close.

The transmission project will establish critical infrastructure for the region, which will connect the Tallawang project, other solar, wind farms and energy storage to the NSW electricity grid, enabling the delivery of a reliable, affordable energy system that benefits communities and the economy.

Image credit: iStock.com/sommart