Oxley Solar Farm Modification

The project modification includes the following:

• The battery system will be expanded from 50 MW to 215 MW, significantly increasing its capacity and enabling energy to be supplied for longer durations 4 hours or more of energy storage)
• There will be some increase in vehicle numbers during construction to accommodate additional equipment
• Minor updates will be made to the site layout, including changes to inverter locations, access roads and internal fencing
• The height of solar panels will increase due to a revised double-panel arrangement to enhance the efficient use of the available land area.

The proposed changes will not alter the approved solar generation capacity of the project, with only limited adjustments to infrastructure and layout, therefore the project will be assessed as a Section 4.55(1A) modification under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as it is considered substantially the same as the approved development.

The proposed changes are intended to improve the performance and reliability of the project and will all remain within the previously approved development footprint with no expansion of the disturbance area. The electrical export capacity to the grid will also remain unchanged.

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Proposed Site

The project is located approximately 14 km south-east of Armidale, on land north and south of Gara Road, near its intersection with Silverton Road. Silverton Road connects to Waterfall Way, which links Armidale with the coast.

Timeline and Lifespan

Construction of the Oxley Solar Farm is subject to approval of the current modification application. If approved, construction is expected to commence no earlier than mid-2027.

Solar farm construction is generally straightforward, involving limited excavation and relatively low levels of noise compared with many other infrastructure projects. Key construction activities will include installing the solar panel mounting structures, excavating cable trenches, and connecting the electrical infrastructure. Once the mounting systems are in place, solar panels are installed and connected to the grid.

The Oxley Solar Farm has been designed with an operational life of at least 30 years. However, advances in technology and ongoing maintenance may enable the facility to continue generating renewable energy well beyond this period.

At the end of the project’s operational life, we may consider upgrading or replacing equipment with newer technologies to support continued renewable energy generation.