The project

Deeargee Solar is a proposed 320MW solar and battery project located 12km southeast of the township of Uralla. To be developed on cleared grazing land, it is situated within the NSW Government’s New England Renewable Energy Zone and five kilometres south of ACEN Australia’s existing operational New England Solar Stage 1 project. 

The project will involve the construction and operation of rows of solar panels, electrical infrastructure and a potential battery energy storage system. Additional supporting infrastructure includes access roads and a potential temporary workers accommodation facility.

View project factsheet

The Deeargee Solar project will be serviced by new transmission network infrastructure being developed by the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo).

Project Assessment Process
The project is likely to be assessed as a State Significant Development of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979., with a range of assessments and site surveys to be undertaken. The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is the responsible state planning authority for the project.

At a glance

  • Power
    160,000
    average Australian homes each year
  • Contribute to National Target of
    82%
    renewable energy by 2030
  • Employ and buy
    local
    commitment
  • Up to
    320MW
    installed capacity
  • Up to
    400
    jobs at peak construction
  • Up to
    15
    operational jobs

New England Region

ACEN Australia is committed to the New England region for decades to come. Learn more about the NSW Government's New England Renewable Energy Zone.

Community

Built on a foundation of trust and shared value, we seek to develop relationships with communities that create enduring and positive impacts. We have already demonstrated our commitment to investing in the region through our existing New England Solar project. Here are some of the things we have proposed to implement for Deeargee Solar.

  • Through the payment of Access Fees allowing connection into the New England REZ infrastructure, ACEN will make significant financial contributions to the NSW Government to be directly invested into communities within the REZ 
  • Solar panel rows and heights designed so that grazing can co-exist once the project is operational 
  • Neighbour agreements so that eligible properties receive a direct benefit 
  • Building upon the $250k already invested through the New England Solar Uralla Grants program to community groups, businesses and organisations through the stewardship of a Community Reference Group. 
  • Commitment to prioritising regional workforce where possible 
  • Commitment to responsibly decommission  project infrastructure at the end of project life 
  • Commitment to prioritise the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  to deliver goods and services 
  • Careful consideration of suitable accommodation solutions for the project construction workforce so as not to negatively impact on housing availability and affordability
  • Commitment to First Nations participation through areas such as contracting, employment, training and business innovation 
  • Commitment to Learning Worker participation through areas such as traineeships and apprenticeships 
  • Commitment to using local content for construction materials from Australia or New Zealand 
Social Investment Program 

An ACEN Australia Social Investment Program (SIP) is proposed for Deeargee Solar, expanding our investment in the Uralla Shire. This is our voluntary contribution which will be available in due course and into construction of the project. Funding will be available to not-for profit organisations and activities that directly benefit and enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the community.  

A company that’s all about community

ACEN Australia has been part of the community in Uralla and surrounds since 2018, and is committed to the New England region for decades to come. Stage 1 of our New England Solar project has been built and is operating with the support of host landholders, First Nations people, and the Uralla community, with Stage 2 set to begin in 2024. We see Deeargee Solar as an extension of ACEN Australia’s commitment to the region and we thank the community for putting its trust in ACEN as we responsibly work to produce clean, renewable energy for Australian homes and businesses.

Learn more about ACEN’s commitments to community and responsible development.

Learn more about how our Social Investment Program is contributing to a thriving and resilient New England region.

As part of early planning for Deeargee Solar, ACEN Australia held a community information drop-in session in Uralla in February 2024. Thank you to all the people who visited the session to learn about the project and provide feedback. Community engagement is ongoing to help inform the next stages of planning for Deeargee Solar, including an Environmental Impact Statement and Social Impact Assessment, and further opportunities for feedback will be promoted.

First Nations participation

As a company seeking to harness wind, solar and water resources for energy today, we reflect on the contributions made by First Nations over thousands of years. We recognise the value of a better understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, and commit to meaningful participation with First Nations groups to support the protection of country, culture, and the development of their aspirations. 

Investing in the past to guide the future

Jobs and business

We have a commitment to employ and buy locally where we can so we can keep the benefits local. With such a significant construction investment, it is anticipated that there will be many opportunities for regional businesses to be involved. Goods and services likely to be procured locally include: 

New England community impacts and benefits

We are working with stakeholders and communities to balance the impacts and opportunities that a growing renewable energy industry can bring. We want to maximise local employment and business opportunities and deliver the most appropriate accommodation solutions for our workforces. Our preference and priority is to employ locally first, however current skills and labour shortages are a considerable barrier in achieving this.

Project updates

Documents

Contact

ACEN Australia Complaints Procedure
ACEN Australia Complaints Procedure

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Privacy Policy

Uralla office
96b Bridge Street,
Uralla, NSW, 2358

Email
info@deeargeesolar.com.au

Social media
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Phone
1800 864 880

NSW EnergyCo
For enquiries relating to the design and implementation of NSW Renewable Energy Zones
www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/contact
1800 118 894