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EDF Renewables is an international energy company which develops, builds and operates renewable power generation plants.
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Proposed Project site
Nottingham Park Solar Farm (NPSF) is proposed to be constructed on private land in Winton, located 23km west of Tamworth, NSW. This project is bound by New Winton Road and Old Winton Road, occupying land to the west of Dobson’s Lane.
The 961 hectare site identified for the project is categories 4 & 5 land only. As defined by the NSW Department of Agriculture, none of the land is biophysical strategic agricultural land (BASL).
The proposed project will provide 210 MWac of clean, safe and sustainable energy capable of powering about 90,000 homes.
The project supports the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap to transform the electricity system into one that is cheap, clean and reliable.
Tamworth is on the backbone of the NSW transmission network, connecting metropolitan Sydney with Northern-NSW and into QLD.
Besides a very favourable NSW Energy Policy, Winton also enjoys excellent solar irradiation, equating to high yield and efficiency of 2115MWh/MWp or 24% efficiency.
Before the project can go ahead there are a number of NSW approvals that are needed. These make sure the project has in place measures to minimise the impact on the environment and nearby community, and that construction and ongoing operation of the solar farm is done safely.
NSW is one of the most heavily regulated states in Australia in which to develop renewables. The project will need to gain consent from the Department of Planning and Environment.
Mandatory conditions of consent will include:
all important project documentation to be made publicly available
comprehensive management plans, approved and audited, including HSE, traffic (control and road rehabilitation) and bushfire risk
compulsory weed and pest control procedures
detailed soil erosion and sediment control plans
limitations on water use
perimeter setbacks (which may include vegetation screening as required)
restricted working hours and construction noise limits (as a function of background levels)
glint and glare assessments, especially in relation to CASA and Tamworth Airport
waste management and decommissioning/rehabilitation requirements
ongoing community consultation
2022
Initial planning and environment studies undertaken
Community engagement commences
2023
Community sessions
Environmental surveys, local inputs and designing the system
Government submission
Obtain pre-construction approvals, complete detailed design, and finalise project financing
Grid connection agreement
2024
Job fair and hiring workers
Regular community engagement and updates
Civil and electrical works for solar farm
Commissioning of the solar farm
2024
Q1
2025
Operations and maintenance
Environmental monitoring
Community engagement continues.
