There are plans for a new solar power plant with battery storage on a 354 hectare site at Daroobalgie.
ACE Power and Osaka Gas are pursuing development approval for a 147MW solar farm and 120MW four-hour battery storage at the property off Hoopers Road, 10km north of Forbes.
The project team is developing the environmental impact statement (EIS) and had representatives in Forbes last week for community consultation.
The $350 million program is considered a State Significant Development, and the EIS will go on public exhibition for the community to review.
Development manager Andrew Johnson said that would be expected about March next year, and the company would review every submission and produce a Response to Submissions report.
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The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will consider then consider the project and make a determination.
The development is part of the big picture of reducing the State's emissions, producing enough electricity to power 42,000 average homes and offsetting some 182,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
The Hoopers Road site has been identified for its access to the electricity grid - the 132kV high voltage line - current land use and environmental impacts.
It will include an onsite substation to connect to the transmission line, up to two transformers, inverters and a switchyard.
Some 120 jobs would be created during the 18-month construction phase, with about three full time operational roles in the long-term.
Developers do have to include a detailed traffic assessment in the EIS: they anticipate light vehicles travelling to and from the site in morning and afternoon peaks, with heavy vehicle deliveries throughout the day.
It's expected the solar plant would have an operational life of about 30 years, and a decommissioning plan must be included with the development application.
The team at ACE Power said they will always look for ways to invest in the local community to help support local initiatives and improvements.
They would love to hear ideas on how to share project benefits locally, so if you have any suggestions on initiatives or programs that would support the local community, please reach out.
If you have any questions about the project, please send an email to the project team at engage@nghengage.com.au or visit the Project website at https://www.forbessolarfarm.com.au/
ACE Power has its headquarters in Sydney but develops renewable projects across Australia including 17 wind farms, seven solar farms, and seven battery energy storage systems.
Osaka Gas Australia, a subsidiary of Osaka Gas, has energy infrastructure, renewables and decarbonisation assets in Australia.
