Project timeline

Site Selection and Early Engagement

Site identification and selection are based on an analysis of various opportunities and constraints, including the distance to the electricity grid, renewable energy resource, and the population density of the surrounding community. Site-specific investigations are conducted to assess the project's impacts and opportunities, and feedback is sought from the local community.

In Blind Creek’s case, this project has evolved from the 50MW Capital Solar Farm which was approved by NSW Planning in 2013. The proposed Blind Creek Solar Farm project is situated in a more suitable location to the west, which allows a larger buffer from neighbouring properties.

Planning

Identified as a State Significant Development Project, a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) Scoping Report is required, followed by the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which involves a wide range of studies to address stakeholder feedback and to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.

The EIS is then made available for public exhibition by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI). During this period, interested members of the public are invited to provide their input through formal submissions. Following this, a submissions report is prepared to respond to the feedback received.

Development Approval

The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined suitable, Development Consent is granted alongside a range of conditions specific to the project.

The Development Application for Blind Creek has now been finalised, with the permit approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), previously called DPE, on 28 July 2023. For details on the planning permit application process and to find out more about how the DPHI’s assessment process works, please visit: NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment.

Post development approval, the project moved into the procurement, detailed design and financing phase.

Construction and Commissioning

Construction of the project is expected to last approximately 18-24 months. The main construction activities will cover:

  • Early works and design

  • Major civil works

  • Installation of solar panels

  • Cabling works

  • Substations works

  • Connection of the project to the 330kV overhead power line

  • Testing and commissioning of the project.

Operations

The expected operational life of the infrastructure is 35 years. However, the project may involve infrastructure upgrades that could extend the operational life.  While the capacity of the project may increase over time as technology improves, the footprint of the development would not be permitted to increase without further planning approval.

The solar farm and battery will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with compliance to the relevant approval conditions and management plans. These conditions are monitored as required throughout the life of the project.

Decommissioning

At the end of the Project’s useful life, decommissioning and rehabilitation of the site would be undertaken. The objective of decommissioning would be to return the land to as close to its pre-construction condition as possible.