The solar farm would have been less than 5 km from the NSW-ACT border. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Five years after approval, a $120 million solar farm project mere kilometres from the ACT-NSW border is no more.
The Springdale Solar Farm was set to span a 190 ha area on Tallagandra Lane, 7 km north-west of Sutton and 3.5 km from the ACT border.
The Independent Planning Commission NSW gave the project’s 260,000 solar panels the green light in 2021, subject to conditions.
The solar farm was expected to produce 100 megawatts of energy at full capacity for the next 35 years.
In its determination, the panel stated that the consent would lapse in early 2026, unless conditions around starting work were met.
During a recent meeting, Yass Valley Council (YVC) was told it wasn’t going ahead.
A staff member made the announcement in response to questions lodged by a councillor about the project.
“We have since received correspondence confirming that the project will not be proceeding, from the applicant, and that they consider that the approval has lapsed and there will be no re-visiting of this application,” he said.
“That’s written confirmation from the applicant in that space.”
Renew Estate began its application for the $120 million Springdale Solar Farm in September 2017, with RES Australia announcing its purchase of the project in March 2020.
Flow Power, an Australian renewable energy retailer and developer, would later acquire the project from RES Australia.
In its notification to the NSW Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Department in late March, the company confirmed no works had “physically commenced”.
A company spokesperson said the decision was made following further assessment of the proposal.
“As part of our processes to assess the viability of the project, further technical studies were undertaken in 2025,” the spokesperson told Region.
“Following this additional work, Flow Power have concluded that we will not be moving forward with the project.”
The statement also noted that stakeholders have been told of the decision.
The Springdale Solar Farm had been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission in November 2020 for determination, as it had received more than 50 unique objections.
The panel found conditions would be enough to manage concerns.
It meant there were setback and vegetation screening requirements, as well as conservation measures to protect the golden sun moth, the superb parrot and the legless lizard (and their habitat).
In its statement, Flow Power said it remained committed to renewable energy projects.
“Flow Power highlights the importance of Battery Energy Storage system (BESS) technology in new projects going forward, allowing solar farms to provide firmed renewable energy during times when it’s needed most by the grid and energy users.
“Flow Power remains strongly committed to the energy transition and continues to progress a pipeline of renewable and firming projects.”
YVC was contacted for further comment by Region, but did not reply by deadline.
