The NSW Government has approved a large-scale solar farm in the Richmond Valley that will power more than 36,000 homes and create 200 local jobs in construction. 

The $312 million Summerville Solar Farm is located at Rapville, 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore or 28 kilometres south of Casino, and will have a generating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). 

It will also boast a 360-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system, which will allow the farm to capture and release solar energy to the grid during peak times and outside daylight hours.  

Clean energy produced from the solar farm will save more than 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. 

The proponent will also provide approximately $3.1 million to Richmond Valley Council to deliver infrastructure and community benefits. 

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) responded to key issues raised during the community consultation period, including biodiversity and fire safety.   

The project has been approved, subject to strict conditions including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety and others to manage or mitigate any impacts on traffic and the environment. 

The Summerville Solar Farm requires approval from the Commonwealth Government before construction can begin.   

Since March 2023, the NSW Government has delivered 34 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments, including five wind farms, 12 solar farms and 15 large-scale energy storage systems.  

The projects have the combined capacity to generate 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, and store 7.8 GW / 21.5 GWh of energy.

This could save an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and power 2.78 million homes while boosting the state’s energy security. 

For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/summerville-solar-farm.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “The Minns Labor Government is committed to diversifying energy production and reducing carbon emissions while providing energy security and reliability. 

“Summerville Solar Farm will produce clean energy and bolster the Northern Rivers economy by creating jobs during construction and operational phases.  

“The renewable project will also help renew the community with Richmond Valley Council to receive about $3.12 million to spend on community projects for locals to enjoy. 

“NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network, to deliver even more clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone in NSW.” 

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “This is a big win for our community. Renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build. They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built. 

“I’m also happy to see that the successful tenderer will be delivering some funds to Richmond Valley Council to build local infrastructure and support our local community groups. This project won’t just create jobs, it’ll help deliver some much-needed support for our community too.”