The 300MW Dunmore Solar Farm has swiftly cleared federal environmental approval, giving Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia the green light to develop the proposed project near Toowoomba in Queensland.
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To be located on previously cleared land next to an existing transmission line, the solar farm and its 150MW battery energy storage system (BESS) was approved in just 19 days.
Once complete, Dunmore Solar Farm will generate enough energy to power more than 140,000 homes, with the BESS able to power those homes for a further two hours at peak demand when the sun isn’t shining.
Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt said that the Dunmore Solar Farm was an example for industry to follow.
“This approval shows how good site selection unlocks rapid approvals for critical renewable projects like this,” he said.
“Not only will this project power Australia’s renewable transition by delivering cheap, green and clean power, but it will also unlock 350 jobs in regional Queensland during construction.
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“By selecting a good site near existing transmission lines, the proponent helped this project speed through the approvals process, unlocking our green future.”
