Ark Energy has been given the greenlight by the NSW Government to develop the $1.2 billion Richmond Valley solar and BESS (battery energy storage system) project.
Located near Rappville in the Northern Rivers of NSW, the Richmond Valley solar farm boasts 435MW of capacity, with a 475MW BESS to help store solar energy outside of daylight hours and during peak demand. This has the capacity to power 175,000 homes per year and will create up to 342 jobs.
“Projects like the Richmond Valley solar farm are crucial to lowering energy costs, reducing emissions, and securing long-term energy reliability,” NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
“It’s not just about energy – it’s about investing in communities. With an $11 million contribution proposed for local infrastructure, Richmond Valley Council will be able to deliver new facilities that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
This includes community projects such as halls, sporting facilities, libraries and parks.
Ark Energy chief executive officer Michael Choi said NSW Government approval was validation for the project’s potential.
“The Richmond Valley solar and BESS site is in an excellent location, and the project will play an important role in supporting the state’s energy transition,” he said.
In development since 2019, Richmond Valley is the second Ark Energy project to receive planning approval from the NSW Government, after stage one of the Bowmans Creek wind farm, to be located within the Hunter-Central Coast renewable energy zone, got the nod in February 2024.
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