Middlebrook solar and storage project seeks federal approval

Aerial photo of a large solar farm with an access road through the middle (darwin)
Image: iStock

TotalEnergies‘ 320MW Middlebrook solar and storage project has been referred under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Related article: DTI to deliver Lightsource bp’s Goulburn River Solar Farm

Middlebrook Solar Farm and battery, to be developed on a 515ha site approximately 22km from Tamworth in New South Wales, has already been approved by the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission.

Middlebrook Energy Storage System will be a large AC-coupled battery with up to 300MW/ 780MWh capacity.

The project has been referred to the EPBC for federal approval due to potential impacts on koala and bird habitats, and native trees and grasslands.

Related article: Walla Walla Solar Farm celebrates first generation milestone

If successful in obtaining federal approval, construction is slated to commence later this year, with anticipated commissioning in 2027.

Previous articleCEFC and NAB back low-cost green finance for farmers
Next articleNew UK data sends nuclear warning for Australia