Locals are invited to learn more about the proposed $450 million Wollar solar farm and battery storage and provide feedback at the first community open day this week.
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Wollar Solar Development Pty Ltd representatives will be at the Mudgee CWA Hall at 48 Market Street, from 1–7pm on Thursday, August 16.
The proposed solar farm, comprised of more than a million panels, is set to be running in 2020 and have up to 400 megawatts of generating capacity, sufficient to supply approximately 700 GWh of clean, renewable electricity to the national electricity grid when it is fully operational.
The company says this would power around 144,726 average homes, and eliminate approximately 711,123 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The state significant development includes a battery storage facility with a capacity of 30 Megawatt hours, which can provide electricity on-demand, day and night.
“Even though the project is in its early stages, it’s important to inform the local community about our progress,” Wollar Solar Farm managing director, Bruce Howard, said.
“We have already undertaken preliminary assessment and consultation with Mid-Western Regional Council, involved landowners, key local environmental groups and immediate neighbors. We have now submitted a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) to the Department of Planning and has started work on more detailed environmental studies and assessments.”
The solar farm will be located on the western side of Barigan Road approximately seven kilometres south of the Wollar village and about 38km from Mudgee. The 800-hectare site was selected because of its access to local and major roads and proximity to the national grid transmission network.
The benefits of the project promoted include up to 300 employment opportunities during construction with a further five full-time ongoing jobs once the project is commissioned. As well as assisting in meeting Australia’s future energy demand and Renewable Energy Target (RET).
“The community is a key priority for Wollar Solar Farm. Consultation is already underway and will continue throughout the development process. Anyone interested in the project are encouraged to visit the website for more information, and to subscribe to the newsletter which will publish project updates. They can also call with questions or feedback,” Mr Howard said.
For more information about Wollar Solar Farm or the open day, visit www.wollarsolarfarm.com.au