Fast approval of NSW solar farm shows site selection matters

The Albanese Government has given the green light to the Forbes Solar Farm Project in just 19 days, demonstrating how good site selection can lead to fast environmental approvals.

The solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) is the 106th renewable energy project approved by the Albanese Government and will be constructed on degraded agricultural land with minimal native vegetation, clearing the way for its rapid approval.

When completed, the 141 Megawatt (MW) solar farm will include more than 196,000 solar panels that will connect to the grid via an onsite substation, while the BESS will have a maximum capacity of 480 MW hours. 

Together, this is enough to power up to 60,000 homes at peak demand for four hours.

Construction at the site will create nearly 100 jobs and a further three ongoing positions.

The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 296,000 tonnes per annum once up and running – the equivalent of removing 110,000 cars from Australia’s roads each year.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the rapid approval process shows how clever proponents can get plans ticked off quickly.

"By choosing to build this facility on disturbed agricultural land with little native vegetation, the proponent set themselves up for success.

"Their planning has paid off with this rapid approval, which unlocks investment and jobs for the community in and around Forbes.

"While the Coalition continues to debate whether climate change is real, their own communities are getting on with the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.

"Since 2022, the Albanese Government has given the green light to more than 100 renewable energy projects – enough to power every home in Australia."

The project still requires approval by the NSW Government.