A wind farm within the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ), has been approved by the NSW Independent Planning Commission.
The proposed Pottinger Energy Park project comprises 1.3GW wind farm, with up to 247 turbines; a 500MW/2000MWh BESS (battery energy storage system); and associated infrastructure.
According to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, the project will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 593,000 homes per year, and rhe BESS will enhance grid stability and energy security. Construction is expected to create approximately 900 jobs, with 40 ongoing operational jobs.
Pottinger Renewables – a joint venture between AGL Energy and Someva Renewables – sought approval from the NSW Independent Planning Commission for the State significant development (SSD) application because more than 50 public objections were made to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure during its assessment of the Project.
The three-member Panel, comprising Richard Pearson (Chair), Sarah Dinning and Michael Wright, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, and held public meetings in Hay and Deniliquin where they heard from 33 speakers and received 56 written submissions.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the commission found that the site is particularly suitable for this project due to its strong wind resource, sparse population, direct access to the electricity grid and minimal impact on agricultural activities and it supports the New South Wales Government’s commitments to transition to clean energy.
The Commission said it considered concerns raised through submissions relating to the energy transition, biodiversity, socio-economic and cumulative impacts, and has imposed conditions of consent to minimise the adverse impacts of the project by requiring Pottinger Renewables to:
- Avoid impacts on threatened ecological communities and species, including the endangered Plains-wanderer and retire biodiversity credits where impacts cannot be avoided
- Reduce social impacts by preparing an accommodation and employment strategy that prioritises local employment and ensures the provision of on-site accommodation and health services
- Minimise road and traffic disruptions, including impacts on stock movements, school bus routes and other road users, through required road upgrades and developing a protocol for movement of high-risk heavy vehicles
- Ensure responsible waste management, addressing potential hazards such as those related to battery storage and contamination
- Develop a comprehensive emergency plan and detailed procedures in collaboration with the RFS and other relevant agencies
- Prepare a detailed decommissioning and rehabilitation plan to ensure that the site is restored to a safe, stable and non-polluting condition once the development is concluded
- Manage cumulative impacts in the context of other renewable energy projects within the SW REZ and the broader region.
All documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website.
AGL Energy and Someva Renewables welcomed NSW Independent Planning Commission’s decision to approve the development.
The IPC’s approval comes after Pottinger Energy Park was awarded an 831MW Access Right in the SW REZ by EnergyCo in April 2025. While Pottinger Energy Park has IPC approval for up to 1300MW, the Access Right allows an initial 831MW to proceed.
The initial phase of construction on Pottinger Energy Park, pending final investment decision, is expected to begin in late 2026 and will see approximately 831MW of capacity built in line with the Access Right issued by EnergyCo. The initial phase of development will include the construction of up to 140 wind turbines supported by a 400MW /1600MWh battery connected to the Project EnergyConnect transmission network.
AGL General Manager, Power Development, Travis Hughes, said welcomed the planning approval.
“Pottinger is one of the largest renewable energy projects in AGL’s development pipeline and planning approval is a crucial milestone as we progress our plans with our development partner, Someva, ahead of a potential final investment decision in 2026,” he said.
Someva Renewables Managing Director, Jamie Chivers, said this approval is a landmark moment for the project and the Riverina region.
“Pottinger Energy Park is a transformational project that will not only play an important role in New South Wales’s energy transition, but also provide a major boost to communities throughout the Riverina,” Mr Chivers said.
“We’re proud of the deep community support Pottinger Energy Park has received since Someva Renewables and AGL first started meeting face-to-face with landholders, local councils and the broader community in 2021.
“I’d like to thank all of those involved in the project to date – including our joint venture partner AGL, our project hosts and neighbours, local landholders, the Edward River and Hay Shire Councils as well as local First Nations, business and community groups.
“We also note the IPC’s conditions of consent and look forward to working with our partners at AGL to implement these requirements through construction and operation. While today is a landmark day, the hard work of building an industry-leading wind farm that helps to transform New South Wales’s energy system while delivering for the local community now begins.
According to the joint venture, Pottinger Energy Park has been developed in close collaboration with the local community, receiving widespread support and recognition for its commitment to community co-design.
And with strong backing from the Hay Shire Council and Edward River Council, and a comprehensive Community Benefits Program established, AGL and Someva said that Pottinger Energy Park is expected to deliver substantial direct benefits to the community of at least $26 million across 30 years. This is in addition to tens of millions in indirect benefits such as host and neighbour payments and broader economic stimulus through new job and business creation.
“From the outset, Pottinger Energy Park has been about working with the local community to ensure the benefits of renewable energy are shared throughout the region,” Mr Chivers said.
From supporting more resilient and sustainable local farming operations, to improving local infrastructure, protecting the iconic Plains Wanderer species, and providing direct benefits to local councils, community and First Nations groups, we’re looking forward to continuing to develop Pottinger Energy Park with the region’s long-term prosperity in mind.”
