Global renewable energy company RES is currently assessing the feasibility of a solar farm to be located at Whittingham.
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The farm, if it gains approval, would comprise 250 hectares on land adjacent to the New England Highway and bisected by New Freugh Lane which is currently used for grazing livestock. The land on the southern side of the lane was owned by Buildev, a former Nathan Tinkler company and is zoned for industrial development.
This would be the second solar farm in the district with the first one built in 1999 on a six acres site just 2 kilomtres south of Singleton at Glenridding producing 407kw of power.
The latest solar farm proposal would produce a much larger source of renewable energy - up to 90MW capable of powering approximately 36,000 homes in NSW.
According to RES the proposed solar site was selected following an extensive assessment process. The site is at the early stages of the development process and RES has recently undertaken initial consultation with residents close to the site.
Following these initial consultations a number of local landholders have decided to hold a community meeting on Wednesday evening March 11, starting at 7:30pm at the Whitthingham Hall.
Neighbouring landholder and one of the meeting's organisers Ray Burgmann told the Singleton Argus he had concerns about the proposal and its impacts on his property and farming operations.
"I think the community needs to get involved before its too late," he said.
"We need a number of questions answered about the impacts from this development especially the likely clearing of nearly 200 native trees on one property many decades old, some may even be 100 years old."
In a statement RES said they were proposing to undertake pre-consultation with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
The purpose of this consultation is to clarify what information must be included in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will address issues raised during the consultation process, and RES will rely on independent and qualified experts to produce the surveys and applicable reports.
RES has yet to finalise the solar farm design. The design will evolve as RES undertake surveys and receive feedback from DPIE, Singleton Council, statutory consultees and surrounding residents.
RES will hold a community drop-in session when we complete detailed surveys and constraint assessments. RES is currently aiming to submit a planning application to the NSW government later this year.
The Whittingham Solar Farm will generate approximately 200 jobs during the construction phase, and several permanent direct jobs during operations. An economic benefits study will form part of the EIS submission. RES is committed to sourcing both jobs and materials locally where feasible, enhancing an increased demand for local services such as accommodation and food services.
Recently the Independent Planning Commission approved a new $768- million solar farm on the Northern Tablelands. UPC Renewables Australia Pty Ltd sought for the 720- megawatt New England Solar Farm on 3362ha near Uralla. The solar farm would comprise more than 2.4 million solar panels, 150 power conversion units and a lithium-ion battery storage facility.
Also recently approved was Wollar Solar Development Pty Ltd who will develop a 290MW solar farm with 30 MW/30 MW hour (MWh) of battery storage located approximately 7 kilometres (km) south of Wollar.