Pacific Partnerships, a CIMIC Group subsidiary, has taken a significant step in bolstering Australia’s renewable energy landscape by acquiring the development rights for the 700-megawatt Cobbora Solar Farm in New South Wales. Positioned to be one of the nation’s largest solar installations, the project will be strategically located within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ) and will feature a substantial co-located battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of up to 1,600 MWh to enhance grid stability.
The facility is planned for a 3,000-hectare site east of Dubbo on land primarily used for grazing. The design innovatively incorporates agricultural co-use, allowing for sheep grazing to continue alongside energy generation. Doug Moss, UGL Managing Director, highlighted the project’s immense potential, stating, “The solar farm can generate enough clean, renewable energy to power approximately 280,000 average-sized homes. It also has space for up to 1,600 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to supply power as needed.”
The development rights were secured from Sydney-based renewable energy developer Marble Energy. The company’s leadership expressed strong confidence in the project’s transition to Pacific Partnerships. “Pacific Partnerships’ acquisition of the development rights provides great confidence in the project’s success and its ability to deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable power to homes and businesses throughout NSW for the long term,” commented Gordon Ou, Co-Director of Marble Energy. His colleague, Co-Director Tim Kirk, noted the site’s suitability: “The Cobbora Solar Farm will be located on a low, undulating landscape well-suited for solar farm installation.”
The project exemplifies CIMIC Group’s integrated approach to renewable infrastructure. Pacific Partnerships will steer the project’s development and long-term operation through its energy division, Pacific Partnerships Energy. Meanwhile, fellow CIMIC company UGL will undertake the construction of both the solar array and the BESS, followed by providing ongoing operation and maintenance services. CIMIC Chairman Juan Santamaria emphasized the project’s alignment with national goals: “CIMIC is committed to Australia’s energy transition… NSW is a key focus in our strategic expansion of a diversified national portfolio, contributing to the Australian Government’s goals of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
The project is advancing through its regulatory phases, with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) slated for submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment by the end of 2024. Following submission, a public exhibition period will be held to gather community feedback. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, with the Cobbora Solar Farm expected to begin supplying power to the national grid by 2028. This represents a major investment in the nation’s clean energy future.
The Cobbora acquisition further expands Pacific Partnerships’ growing portfolio of large-scale renewable assets. It joins other key projects such as the recently completed 102 MW Glenrowan Solar Farm in Victoria and the 250 MW Hopeland Solar Farm, which is currently under development in Queensland, solidifying the company’s role in Australia’s energy transition.
Sources for Pacific Partnerships Secures 700MW Cobbora Solar Farm Development
- Pacific Partnerships Acquires Rights Cobbora Solar Farm
- Cobbora solar farm – Global Energy Monitor – GEM.wiki
- CIMIC to develop one of Australia’s largest solar farms – Grupo ACS
- Cobbora Solar Farm – Marble Energy
- Cobbora Solar Farm – Department of Planning and Environment
- Pacific Partnerships to development 700MW project in Australia
- Pacific goes public with 700 MW solar and 1.6 GWh battery plans
- Pacific Partnerships to develop 700MW PV project in Australia
