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The Muswellbrook Solar Farm site has replaced former coal operations with a project designed to power over 52,000 homes through the Ausgrid grid. Image Credit/Source: JanVanBizar/Pexels
The NSW Independent Planning Commission, a government body in New South Wales, has approved the 135 MW Muswellbrook Solar Farm. The project also includes a 135 MW / 270 MWh battery system by ESCO Solar Farm 9 Pty Ltd. It is located on the former Muswellbrook Coal Mine site, 2.5 km east of Muswellbrook, within the HCC Renewable Energy Zone. The project aimed to power up to 52,310 homes and connect to the Ausgrid 132 kV grid. It was referred to the Commission due to over 50 public objections. The three-member panel held a site visit, public meeting, and reviewed 44 submissions. The Commission found the site suitable and aligned with planning requirements. Conditions of consent addressed traffic, waste, biodiversity, workforce housing, and decommissioning.