The solar grazing flock at ACEN Australia’s New England Solar project continues to grow with more than 6,000 merinos and cross breeds now rotating on and off the 1,200ha Stage 1 project site.
Related article: Symbiotic solar: Merino sheep flock to New England Solar
The sheep and lambs have been grazing on the pastures around the solar panels since last Christmas, with extra mobs introduced gradually to help them transition to their new feeding ground.
Australia supplies around 70% of the world’s apparel wool, according to Wool Producers Australia, and much of the prized fleece originates from the New England region in the NSW tablelands.
New England Solar project land owner Cameron Wood said the fleece from his solar grazing saxon merinos was bound for the export market in Italy, where it will be turned into high end fashion.
“It’s been really exciting for us to first see the solar panels on the land to help us drought proof our operations, and then to bring the sheep back to the land to feed under the panels,” he said.
“The fresh grass and shade are a great combination—the sheep just look really happy. We’re looking forward to getting them in the sheds this winter for shearing, and their wool baled up for market.”
The 720MW New England Solar project is being developed by ACEN Australia across 2,000ha of cleared grazing land leased from local landholders.
Related article: SmartestEnergy and ACEN ink PPA for New England Solar
It will provide enough clean renewable power for around 300,000 homes. New England Solar Stage 2 includes a 320MW solar development and a 200MW two-hour battery storage system.
