The NSW Government has announced a $1.2 billion solar farm in the Northern Rivers as it continues its push to Net Zero by 2050.

The new Richmond Valley Solar Farm will be built near Rapville, about 50 minutes southwest of Lismore or 23 minutes south of Casino.

The state government says, once operable, it will be able to generate enough clean electricity to power around 175,000 homes each year.

The Ark Energy-led project will create up to 342 jobs – including 327 during construction and up to 15 ongoing operational roles – and significantly reduce carbon emissions across the state.

The project will also support the community with a proposed $11 million Voluntary Planning Agreement with Richmond Valley Council, which could help fund community projects such as halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.

The Richmond Valley Solar Farm is the 14th solar farm and 21st renewable energy generation project approved under the Minns Labor Government, in addition to 15 standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 2 major transmission lines approved during this period.

With a capacity of 435 megawatts (MW), the Richmond Valley Solar Farm includes a 475 MW / 3,148 MW-hour (MWh) BESS that stores solar energy for dispatch to the electricity grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand.

The government says the project went through a comprehensive assessment considering key matters such as energy transition, amenity, agricultural land, biodiversity and traffic. In consultation with Richmond Valley Council and relevant government agencies, clear conditions have been set so all potential impacts are appropriately minimised and managed.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Projects like the Richmond Valley Solar Farm are crucial to lowering energy costs, reducing emissions, and securing long-term energy reliability.

“It’s not just about energy – it's about investing in communities. With an $11 million contribution proposed for local infrastructure, Richmond Valley Council will be able to deliver new facilities that make a real difference to people's lives.

“Once up and running the project will be able to power around 175,000 homes each year, which to put it into perspective, means it could power every home in the Northern Rivers region- that was recorded in the 2021 census- and 31,000 more. 

“It also includes battery storage, which means even when the sun doesn’t shine, stored energy can still be sent to the grid.”

Minister for North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “We have always, as a community, led the way in the take-up of solar, and it makes sense that we are now leading the way in the creation of renewable solar farms.

“The flow-on effects of the new jobs, community infrastructure and sustainable power generation will be felt for generations to come.”