The project

Stubbo Solar is a 400-megawatt (MW) large scale solar project approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in July 2021. It is currently in construction across 1,250 hectares of mostly cleared grazing land in the Central West region of NSW.

It is being constructed by EPC contracting partner PCL Construction.

The project is located near Stubbo about 10 kilometres north of the historic mining town of Gulgong in the Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area. It will generate enough renewable energy to power 185,000 average Australian homes per year and contribute to NSW’s target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.The flat cleared grazing land across the site allows for rows of photovoltaic panels to be installed with enough height and space for sheep to graze in and around the panels. They will provide welcome shade and protection to grazing animals from the hot summer sun.

The project involves construction of rows of solar panels, substation and access roads, and the installation of electrical infrastructure such as inverters and cables. Stubbo Solar also includes a 200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), meaning the project can dispatch electricity when it is most needed during peak hours, and provide important grid stability services. Stubbo Solar will connect to the existing 330 kV transmission line that is operated by TransGrid.

In May 2023, ACEN Australia secured a 20 year Long Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) for the project in the NSW Government’s first renewable energy and storage auction. The LTESA is a risk management mechanism that will support Stubbo Solar in the future if the National Electricity Market moves into a sustained period of low prices. In return for the long term insurance value provided by the LTESA, ACEN Australia has made substantial financial commitments to support community initiatives, regional manufacturing and employment, and Indigenous participation.

Investing in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone
In 2023, ACEN Australia secured a 20 year Long Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) for Stubbo Solar in the NSW Government’s first renewable energy and storage auction. The LTESA is a risk management mechanism that will support the project in the future if the National Electricity Market moves into a sustained period of low prices. In return for the long term insurance value provided by the LTESA, ACEN Australia has made substantial financial commitments to support community initiatives, regional manufacturing and employment, and Indigenous participation.

At a glance

  • Installed capacity of
    400
    MW
  • Power
    185k
    average Australian homes each year
  • Up to
    400
    jobs during peak
    construction
  • Up to
    10
    operational jobs
    for 25 years
  • Offset
    4.3M
    tonnes of CO2 emissions over the life of the project
  • Employ and buy
    Local
    commitment

Community

Built on a foundation of trust and shared value, we seek to develop relationships with communities that create enduring and positive impact.

Here are some of the things we are doing at Stubbo Solar.

  • Voluntary Planning Agreement with Mid-Western Regional Council over the life of the project. Administered by Council for the purpose of delivering and facilitating community projects in Gulgong and surrounds.
  • Social Investment Program (SIP) available to the Gulgong community. Administered by ACEN Australia throughout the construction period.
  • 1.5% of project value commitment to First Nations participation delivered through contracting, employment, training and business innovation
  • 20% of project working hours commitment to Learning Worker participation to be delivered through traineeships and apprenticeships
  • 39% of project value target local content for construction materials from Australia or New Zealand
  • Commitment to prioritise the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  to deliver goods and services
  • Neighbour agreements so that eligible properties within 5km to project infrastructure receive a direct benefit
  • Solar panel rows and heights designed so that grazing can co-exist once the project is operational
  • Upgrades to Blue Springs Road, Gulgong
  • Commitment to product stewardship through environmental and social procurement that encourage circular economy outcomes
  • Addressing housing affordability and availability through an adaptive management plan with Mid-Western Regional Council for worker accommodation
Voluntary Planning Agreement

A Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for Stubbo Solar is in place with Mid-Western Regional Council for the life of the project. Consisting of a $100,000 to be paid during the construction period, and an annual payment of $300 per megawatt installed (~$120,000 per year),  this funding is administered by Council for the purpose of delivering and facilitating community projects in Gulgong and or within 25km of Stubbo Solar. For more information, read the VPA below or contact Mid-Western Regional Council.

Social Investment Program 

ACEN Australia’s Social Investment Program (SIP) is our voluntary contribution to Gulgong.  Totalling $200,000 throughout the construction period,  funding is available to not-for profit organisations and activities that directly benefit and enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the Gulgong community.

Worker accommodation

The expected peak construction workforce for Stubbo Solar is 400 and we have a workforce accommodation strategy with Mid Western Regional Council to limit the impact on regional housing availability and affordability while enabling the region’s thriving tourism industry to flourish.

ACEN Australia seeks to reduce the impact on short term stay accommodation in the Central West NSW region as part of the construction of Stubbo Solar. If you have a property available for rent, we would be be interested in hearing from you. Please register your details and they will be provided to our contracting partners.

Jobs and business

A commitment is in place to prioritise the participation of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to deliver goods and services for the construction of Stubbo Solar, and to employ locally where possible. This commitment is embedded into the project delivery model with EPC contracting partner PCL Constructions.

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.

Central -West Orana community impacts and benefits

We are planning several projects in the NSW Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ) in the coming years and 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

Event

Christmas Hampers for Gulgong

Stubbo Solar and PCL Construction, with our sub contractors working on site, spent time last week making hampers for families in need in the Gulgong…

Highlight

Pink Up Stubbo Solar Fundraiser 

October is breast cancer awareness month, and we’re helping to raise funds at Stubbo Solar.   Mudgee shines pink each October during Breast Cancer Awareness month…

Update

ACEN Australia Leadership Changes

After six and half years as Co-founder and CEO, Anton Rohner will be moving on from the role as CEO of ACEN Australia. While Anton…

Media Release

ACEN Australia appoints EPC contractor

ACEN Australia appoints PCL as EPC contractor and issues Notice to Proceed for 400MW Stubbo Solar Project 10 January 2023, NSW – Renewable energy company…

Update

Upgrade works to Blue Springs Road

As a part of the Pre-Construction works for Stubbo Solar, we will soon begin works to upgrade Blue Springs Road. This work will involve the…

Update

Drop by our new Gulgong office

We have now opened a new project office in Gulgong so we can meet with you and discuss the latest updates on our Stubbo Solar…

Update

Extra land added to project study area

An additional section of grazing land has been added to the study area for the 400 megawatt Stubbo Solar Farm, after ongoing discussions with the…

Documents

Further documents and information can be found on the NSW Government’s Planning Portal at https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/

Contact

General Enquiries
info@stubbosolar.com.au
1800 434 062

 

To register to work on the construction of the Stubbo Solar project, please contact PCL Construction
STSPCommunity@pcl.com

 

If you have a property available for rent, we would be be interested in hearing from you. Please register your details and they will be provided to our contracting partners.

Please complete this registration form

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Privacy Policy

Project office

79b Herbert Street, Gulgong
Open Tuesday – Thursday ( 9:00am- 5:00pm)

Email
info@stubbosolar.com.au

Social media 
facebook.com/StubboSolar

Phone
1800 434 062

Contracting partner
PCL Construction at STSPCommunity@pcl.com

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

 

 

Register a complaint
info@stubbosolar.com.au
1800 434 062

ACEN Australia Complaints Procedure
ACEN Australia Complaints Procedure