The first of Photon Energy’s planned solar farms has been granted approval by the NSW Government’s Department of Planning and Environment.
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The solar farm project, which will be located 10km west of Wellington in the small farming community of Suntop, is expected to cost Photon Energy $262 million.
NSW Department of Planning and Environment Resource Assessments Director Clay Pershaw announced the approval.
““This is a multi-million-dollar project that will over the longer-term increase electricity capacity, help to cut greenhouse emissions and create jobs for the local community, including up to 250 jobs during construction,” Mr Pershaw said.
Despite criticism of the project form local agricultural figures and farmers and accusations of a lack of consultation on the project and the second solar farm project that is still undergoing review, Mr Pershaw was confident the proposed project met all the department’s requirements.
The project has been assessed on its merits, under planning legislation and clear official policies to consider any potential benefits or impacts to the environment, the economy and the community.
- NSW Department of Planning and Environment Resource Assessments Director Clay Pershaw
“The project has been assessed on its merits, under planning legislation and clear official policies to consider any potential benefits or impacts to the environment, the economy and the community,” Mr Preshaw said.
Photon Energy’s Managing Director, Michael Gartner announced that the energy company plans to open the jobs created during the project’s construction up to locals first.
““We want to ensure that people in the Wellington/Dubbo region have the first opportunity to apply for roles in the construction of Suntop Solar Farm,” Mr Gartner said.
“Those interested in expressing interest in job opportunities can email their resume and a cover letter outlining their skills and experience to suntopsolarfarm@photonenergy.com.”
Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2019.
Photon Energy will also invest in an upgrade to the intersection of Renshaw McGirr Way and Suntop and oversee a dilapidation survey to monitor the road’s condition in response to community concerns about overuse of the road during construction.
