320MW capacity
160,000 average Australian homes powered each year
400 jobs at peak construction

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.

Learn more

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 Australia 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 $700k already invested through the New England Solar Social Investment Program (SIP) to community 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

Deeargee Solar’s Social Investment Program (SIP) is expanding our investment in the Uralla Shire. Funding will 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.

Stage 3, the New England Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), has been constructed. Final testing and commissioning is underway.

Stage 2 construction schedule to be announced soon.

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 has held community information drop-in sessions in Uralla in 2024 and 2025. Community engagement is ongoing to help inform the next stages of planning for Deeargee Solar, 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.