The NSW Department of Planning and Environment approved the $280 million Sapphire Solar Farm between Glen Innes and Inverell, adding to a raft of other renewable energy projects in the area.

READ ALSO:

“This latest approval puts the Northern Tablelands in pole position as the state’s clean-energy generation super-hub,” Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said.

“In addition to the Sapphire Solar and Wind Farm, we have the approved Glen Innes Wind Farm, White Rock Wind Farm and Solar Farm, and the proposed Sundown Solar Farm.

“The Sapphire Solar Farm will generate up to 397,000-megawatt (MW) of clean electricity annually, saving up to 380,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

“It will also have a 50MW battery to allow it to store energy in all conditions.”

The NSW Government assesses all applications on their merits, under planning legislation and clear official policies to consider any potential benefits or impacts to the environment, the economy and the community.

Mr Marshall said the region’s growing renewable operations provided clean energy, and supported hundreds of construction jobs, giving a real boost to local communities.

“The Sapphire solar farm alone will support 200 construction workers, who will spend their money in Glen Innes and Inverell,” Mr Marshall said. “This is great news for business operators suffering from the drought.

“Our government is leveraging billions of dollars of private investment in renewable energy projects across the Northern Tablelands.

“Solar and wind are key parts of NSW’s energy mix, and will become even more important into the future.

“I’m delighted to see this project getting the green light.”