Lightsource BP has secured planning approval for upscaling plans for the Wellington North solar project in New South Wales, Australia.
The 400MW (DC) site, acquired from AGL last year, is adjacent to Lightsource BP’s near-complete 200MW (DC) Wellington solar farm.
Once operational, the 600MW hub could become the state’s largest renewable energy power hub.
Lightsource BP country manager Adam Pegg said: “We are very excited about the planning approval of our Wellington North solar farm; this is an important step forward in our ambition to help Australia transition to a lower carbon future.”
Wellington North solar farm will use 1.2 million bifacial solar panels.
During the planning process, an information event was held to allow members of the local community to view and discuss the planned proposal, which was “positively received”.
Throughout the planning process, Lightsource BP also engaged with specialists to provide impact assessment and expertise in key areas, including biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage.
Lightsource BP has designed the project to protect and enhance 163 ha of native vegetation and fauna habitat on the project site, including 232 hollow-bearing trees.
Lightsource BP, in consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, has also designed the project to preserve Aboriginal heritage items, including two scarred trees which provide Aboriginal people with an important link to their culture and their past.
The items located within the development site will be salvaged and collected prior to construction commencing and relocated to a suitable location on the project site.
Together, Lightsource BP’s Wellington North, Wellington, West Wyalong and Woolooga solar farms exceed over 900MW (DC).