The proposed Tilbuster Solar Farm would have a capacity of up to 300 MW and include the development of:

• PV modules and inverter stations
• Single axis tracker or fixed mounting systems on steel frames
• An energy storage facility
• Site office and maintenance building including monitoring container
• Transformers and substation, including ancillary equipment
• Electrical cabling including overhead lines and underground electrical conduits
• Security fence and cameras
• Electrical cabling including overhead lines and underground electrical conduits

The proposed Tilbuster solar farm would add to secure, affordable and clean energy generation for the state of NSW whilst also contributing to the national Renewable Energy Target (RET) of 33,000 gigawatt hours by 2020. The New England region is considered an excellent province for solar energy generation due to its solar irradiance capabilities.

Two existing transmission lines transect the proposal site; a 132kV eastern line and a 330kV central line. Both lines are considered for the connection for the proposed solar farm. Both the eastern and central line run south east to north west through the proposal site.

Renewable Electricity Generation

The growing recognition for the need to mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with traditional methods of energy generation has supported the development of clean and sustainable energy projects globally. In particular, the NSW Government has recognized its excellent renewable energy resource potential and supports the national target in achieving 20% renewable energy by 2020 through the actioning of the NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan.

The proposed Tilbuster solar farm would add to secure, affordable and clean energy generation for the state of NSW whilst also contributing to the national Renewable Energy Target (RET) of 33,000 gigawatt hours by 2020. Once operational, this project will feed electricity into the transmission network and be capable of producing enough clean renewable energy to supply approximately 93,000 NSW homes

Employment

The construction of the Tilbuster Solar Farm is expected to require direct local employment for civil works, fencing and landscaping. Local businesses including accommodation, catering, trades and other services will also be used throughout the duration of construction. Once constructed, the Tilbuster Solar Farm would require locals to be employed in order to manage operations.

Preliminary Environmental Assessment

The Tilbuster Solar Farm requires adherence to strict planning approval from the Armidale Regional Local Government Area and NSW Department of Planning and Environment. A number of high-level studies have already taken place including careful and strict consideration of biodiversity, cultural heritage, visual amenity, noise, traffic, soil and socio-economic concerns. These are presented in the Preliminary Assessment Report, which will shortly be on public display at http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/. These will be progressed as part of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will be submitted with the planning application and also made available for public access.

Expected Timeline

TBA

Clean Energy Council Best Practice Charter

Enerparc is a member of CEC and has committed to honouring the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter in renewable energy developments and associated transmission infrastructure. The charter is a voluntary set of commitments that reflects our commitment to develop projects in a socially responsible way and designed to communicate the standards that the company will uphold in the development of current and new clean energy projects.