NSW Government Approves 450MW Goulburn River Solar Farm 

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) government has approved the Goulburn River solar farm, a major 450-MW project set to boost Goulburn’s solar power capacity and advance the state’s renewable energy goals.

Lightsource bp to Build the 450-MW Solar Park

UK-based solar developer Lightsource bp, partly owned by BP Plc, has secured approval to build the 450-MW solar park, which will include battery storage.

Solar park with battery storage

The Goulburn solar project will be paired with a battery energy storage system (BESS) to store surplus electricity and release it during peak demand, improving grid stability and energy security. Strategically situated between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, the farm will have direct access to the existing electricity transmission network. 

Goulburn Solar Project to Power 191,000 Homes

The new photovoltaic (PV) complex will be built near Goulburn in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. Once operational, the Goulburn solar facility is projected to generate 992,000 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power 191,000 homes. This output will also offset approximately 733,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year, helping the state advance its net-zero emissions goal.

Construction to Create 350 Jobs, Prioritizing Local Hiring

The construction phase is expected to create 350 jobs, with a focus on hiring local workers and engaging regional businesses. Following community input, the development will also include infrastructure upgrades such as road improvements and worker accommodations.

“Under our government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions. With 350 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of the project. This project is one of many that is part of the state’s growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come,” said Paul Scully, New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

“The $880m project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter region, bringing a major boost to local jobs. Today’s announcement further shores up our region as a renewable energy powerhouse that will power communities for decades to come,” said Yasmin Catley, New South Wales Minister for the Hunter region.