New solar farm south of Tamworth to power 60,000 homes

The Albanese Government has approved another new solar farm, south of Tamworth, which will generate enough energy to power more than 60,000 homes.

The project is in Garoo, New South Wales, and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum, equivalent to taking approximately 110,000 passenger cars off the road annually.

The 134-megawatt (MW) solar farm includes the construction of 234,000 solar panels and a 360 MW / 1,440 MW-hour battery and will connect to the national grid via the existing 330 kilovolt overhead transmission line.

The project will support up to 250 direct jobs in construction and up to five ongoing operational jobs.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the solar farm approval demonstrated how good site selection can lead to faster environmental approvals and a lower impact on the environment.

“The 306-hectare project site has been mostly cleared for agriculture and the development will allow for continued grazing activities, maintaining the agricultural use of the land. 

"While Coalition figures like Barnaby Joyce continue 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. 

“We’re producing record renewable electricity, and we are on track to transform Australia into a renewable energy superpower.

“This project will keep jobs in the local community and deliver reliable, renewable energy to local homes and businesses.”

The project still requires approval by the NSW Government.