The NSW Government has released revisions to its Large-Scale Solar Energy Guidelines which include guidance on key issues such as visual impacts, the use of agricultural land, and community benefit sharing.
The revised guidelines are intended to make the assessment of large-scale solar energy projects clearer.
NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, said solar farms will play a critical role in the modern electricity system the NSW Government is building.
“NSW has some of the best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world,” Mr Kean said.
“Harnessing their power will help us deliver cleaner and cheaper electricity to households and businesses across the state, slashing energy bills and boosting industry.
“These guidelines will provide investors with the certainty they need to mobilise private capital and deliver the energy infrastructure of the 21st century.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes, Anthony Roberts, said the revised guidelines would ensure solar farms are built in the right areas to benefit the community.
“There are 83 projects that have been approved or are in the planning pipeline, with a combined capacity to power seven million homes,” Mr Roberts said.
“That’s on top of the 18 large-scale solar energy farms, worth more than $30 million, which are operational.”
Mr Roberts said that as solar energy use becomes more common so too does the need to ensure solar farms are well-designed and built in appropriate locations.
“Our revised guidelines help deal with emerging concerns and issues, and assist applicants and the community to better understand the planning and engagement process – from choosing a site, to decommissioning a project and rehabilitating the land,” Mr Roberts said.
The guidelines update follows changes to planning rules late last year, aimed at protecting the character and future growth potential of regional cities from renewable projects.
To view the guidelines, click here.
