Southdown Solar Farm - Request for Secretary’S Environmental Assessment Requirements Juwi Renewable Energy Pty Ltd Page 2 of 37

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Southdown Solar Farm - Request for Secretary’S Environmental Assessment Requirements Juwi Renewable Energy Pty Ltd Page 2 of 37 SOUTHDOWN SOUTHDOWN SOLAR SOLAR FARM FARM Request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements – Scoping Report ‘Cal Col’, 6304 Cobb Highway, Deniliquin NSW 2710 Rev Date Description By Approved 1 22/04/2020 First draft Russell James 2 24/04/2020 Second draft Russell James 3 21/05/2020 Third draft Russell James Amy lane juwi details Name juwi Renewable Energy Pty Ltd Address (Physical) Level 3, 199 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4000 Address (Postal) PO Box 13106 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4003 Australian Business Number 42 159 228 145 Primary Contact Russell James Project Development Manager russell.james@juwi.com +61 (0) 7 3107 0908 +61 (0) 447 749 914 Secondary Contact Amy Lane Head of Development amy.lane@juwi.com +61 (0) 7 3107 0908 +61 (0) 413 882 566 Website www.juwi.com.au Southdown Solar Farm - Request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements juwi Renewable Energy Pty Ltd Page 2 of 37 Table of Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 The Project ............................................................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Site and surrounds ................................................................................................................................ 5 1.2.1 Regional Context .............................................................................................................................. 5 1.2.2 Local Context .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.3 Site .................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Landowner .............................................................................................................................................. 9 1.4 Applicant ............................................................................................................................................... 9 1.5 Capital Investment Value ...................................................................................................................... 9 1.6 Purpose of the Report ........................................................................................................................... 9 2 Planning Framework ................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 NSW Environmental and Planning Assessment Act 1979.................................................................. 10 2.1.1 Approval Process............................................................................................................................ 10 2.1.2 Permissibility ................................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Other State Legislation........................................................................................................................ 11 2.2.1 State Environment Planning Policy Koala Habitat Protection 2019 ............................................... 11 2.2.2 Riverina Murray Plan 2036 ............................................................................................................. 11 2.2.3 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 ...................................................................... 11 2.2.4 Water Management Act 2000 ......................................................................................................... 11 2.2.5 Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 ................................................................................................ 11 2.2.6 Biosecurity Act 2015 ....................................................................................................................... 12 2.2.7 Roads Act 1993 .............................................................................................................................. 12 2.2.8 Rural Fires Act 1997 ....................................................................................................................... 12 2.2.9 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 ............................................................................................. 13 2.2.10 Heritage Act 1977 ....................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.11 Crown Lands Act 1989 ............................................................................................................... 13 2.3 Commonwealth Legislation ................................................................................................................. 13 2.3.1 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999...................................................................... 13 2.3.2 Native Title Act 1993 ...................................................................................................................... 14 2.3.3 Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 .................... 14 3 Project Description ...................................................................................................................................... 16 3.1 Design and Configuration ................................................................................................................... 16 3.1.1 Electricity grid and road access ...................................................................................................... 16 3.1.2 Key elements .................................................................................................................................. 16 3.1.3 Potential for battery energy storage ............................................................................................... 18 3.2 Construction ........................................................................................................................................ 18 3.3 Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 18 3.4 Decommissioning ................................................................................................................................ 18 4 Justification and Alternatives Considered ................................................................................................... 20 Southdown Solar Farm - Request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements juwi Renewable Energy Pty Ltd Page 3 of 37 4.1 Project Justification ............................................................................................................................. 20 4.2 Alternatives ......................................................................................................................................... 21 4.2.1 Site selection .................................................................................................................................. 21 4.2.2 Project design and configuration .................................................................................................... 21 5 Preliminary Impact Identification and Assessment ..................................................................................... 22 5.1 Project Issues and Risks ..................................................................................................................... 22 5.2 Biodiversity .......................................................................................................................................... 22 5.2.1 Existing conditions .......................................................................................................................... 22 5.2.2 Preliminary Impact Assessment and Management ........................................................................ 23 5.2.3 Need for further assessment .......................................................................................................... 24 5.3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................................ 25 5.3.1 Existing conditions .......................................................................................................................... 25 5.3.2 Preliminary Impact Assessment and Management ........................................................................ 26 5.3.3 Need for further assessment .......................................................................................................... 26 5.4 Other Impacts ...................................................................................................................................... 26 6 Community and Stakeholder Consultation .................................................................................................. 32 6.1 Consultation activities undertaken ...................................................................................................... 32 7 Proposed Environmental Assessment Requirements ................................................................................. 33 8 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Project Energyconnect Review of Economic Assessment
    Project EnergyConnect Review of economic assessment 31 March 2021 Project EnergyConnect Review of economic assessment Copyright and Disclaimer Copyright in this material is owned by or licensed to ElectraNet. Permission to publish, modify, commercialise, or alter this material must be sought directly from ElectraNet. Reasonable endeavours have been used to ensure that the information contained in this report is accurate at the time of writing. However, ElectraNet gives no warranty and accepts no liability for any loss or damage incurred in reliance on this information. Revision Record Date Version Description Author Checked By Approved By 31 Mar 2021 1.0 For submission to the Brad Harrison Simon Appleby Rainer Korte AER and publication Hugo Klingenberg Page 1 of 12 Project EnergyConnect Review of economic assessment Project EnergyConnect material change in circumstances assessment Executive Summary On 14 September 2020, ElectraNet submitted an updated economic cost benefit analysis for Project EnergyConnect (PEC) to the AER for approval. The AER confirmed on 28 September 2020 that: “…the AER considers that the updated cost benefit analysis provides a not unreasonable basis for ElectraNet’s opinion that PEC remains the preferred option. We expect both ElectraNet and TransGrid to submit full and complete contingent project applications for PEC as soon as possible.” On 29 September 2020, the ElectraNet Board approved submission of a contingent project application (CPA) based on the AER’s confirmation and the CPA was submitted to the AER on 30 September 2020. This note reviews several subsequently announced policies and other changes in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and considers the impact that these could have on the benefits of PEC.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Report
    RELIABILITY PANEL Reliability Panel AEMC FINAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL MARKET REVIEW PERFORMANCE REVIEW 20 MAY 2021 Reliability Panel AEMC Final report Final Report 20 May 2021 INQUIRIES Reliability Panel c/- Australian Energy Market Commission GPO Box 2603 Sydney NSW 2000 E aemc@aemc.gov.au T (02) 8296 7800 Reference: REL0081 CITATION Reliability Panel, 2020 Annual Market Performance Review, Final report, 20 May 2021 ABOUT THE RELIABILITY PANEL The Panel is a specialist body established by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) in accordance with section 38 of the National Electricity Law and the National Electricity Rules. The Panel comprises industry and consumer representatives. It is responsible for monitoring, reviewing and reporting on reliability, security and safety on the national electricity system, and advising the AEMC in respect of such matters. This work is copyright. The Copyright Act 1968 permits fair dealing for study, research, news reporting, criticism and review. Selected passages, tables or diagrams may be reproduced for such purposes provided acknowledgement of the source is included. Reliability Panel AEMC Final report Final Report 20 May 2021 RELIABILITY PANEL MEMBERS Charles Popple (Chairman), Chairman and AEMC Commissioner Stephen Clark, Marinus Link Project Director, TasNetworks Kathy Danaher, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Sun Metals Craig Memery, Director - Energy + Water Consumer's Advocacy Program, PIAC Ken Harper, Group Manager Operational Support, AEMO Keith Robertson, General Manager Regulatory Policy, Origin Energy Ken Woolley, Executive Director Merchant Energy, Alinta Energy John Titchen, Managing Director, Goldwind Australia David Salisbury, Executive Manager Engineering, Essential Energy Reliability Panel AEMC Final report Final Report 20 May 2021 FOREWORD I am pleased to present this report setting out the findings of the Reliability Panel's (Panel) annual review of market performance, for the period 2019-20.
    [Show full text]
  • Australia's Climate Policy 2020
    Australia’s climate policy A de facto net zero target | August 2020 Norton Rose Fulbright is at the forefront of regulatory and market developments, providing advisory services on business risk and opportunities in relation to emissions regulation, carbon markets, offsets projects, clean energy, climate finance, sustainable development or resource scarcity. We bring a global perspective to the international patchwork of emerging policy and regulation, as well as trends in climate risk and climate change litigation. When you need help transitioning to a zero-carbon economy, we’re there. Australia’s climate policy The emerging patchwork | July 2020 Contents Introduction 04 State and Territory snapshot 05 Australian Capital Territory 06 New South Wales 08 Northern Territory 12 Queensland 16 South Australia 18 Tasmania 21 Victoria 23 Western Australia 26 Global Resources 29 Contacts 30 03 Australia’s climate policy The emerging patchwork | July 2020 Introduction This year, Australia experienced horrific bushfires, described In March 2020, the Climate Change Authority released a as the most “evident and deeply traumatic experience of the report making 35 recommendations, directed primarily to huge impacts of climate change” by Christiana Figueres, the the Federal Government, to assist with creating the policy Former Executive Secretary of The United Nations Framework settings necessary to meet our commitments under the Paris Convention On Climate Change.1 Also this year, the 2015 Agreement. Our update on that report can be found here Paris Agreement, which Ms Figueres helped to deliver, invites update. governments to set and communicate their long-term 2050 goals, and shorter term targets up to 2030 to decarbonise their As the business and financial community would attest to, economies.
    [Show full text]
  • In This Edition Virtual Events Update
    A weekly analysis updating you on the latest developments in the infrastructure sector. View the full report in your browser. Follow us on In this edition Virtual Events Update Registrations of Interest called for Renewable Energy Zone in Central-West NSW Productivity Commission kicks off second inquiry into National Water Reform NSW and Victorian governments continue fast-tracking planning approvals NSW Minister for Customer Service provides an exclusive briefing Industry News Appointments Virtual Policy Taskforces and Events Virtual Events Update This week, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia refreshed its virtual events program to focus on quality, over quantity and delivering you the best events, with the right speakers, at the right time. As part of the refresh, the weekly webinar slot on Thursday mornings will now move to a more dynamic model to provide the best and most timely content. Over the coming weeks you’ll see a range of sector leaders on our events platform, including Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of New South Wales, Ben Wyatt MP, Treasurer of Western Australia, and Tim Reardon, Secretary, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, among others. That means you can be confident an invite to an Infrastructure Partnerships Australia virtual event will be worth making time for. We led the delivery of live and interactive virtual events and we’ll continue to innovate and evolve our service offering to keep you connected with the sector through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. BACK TO TOP ENERGY Registrations of Interest called for Renewable Energy Zone in Central-West NSW The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has requested Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the state’s first pilot Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the Central- West region.
    [Show full text]
  • Project Update Week Ending 5 June 2020
    Project Update Week ending 5 June 2020 Jemena calls for renewable gas certification to unlock Australia’s bioenergy potential 29 May Leading energy infrastructure company, “In addition, we also have the capacity to Jemena, has called for a national approach to unlock our bioenergy sector. Well established green accreditation for renewable gases, such in Europe, bioenergy is a proven ‘here and as biomethane and hydrogen, as part of its now’ fuel source and can help Australia submission to the Australian Renewable address the energy trilemma of affordability, Energy Agency (ARENA) Bioenergy Roadmap reliability and sustainability. today. “Renewable gases have a huge role to play in A certification system would enable lowering emissions in sectors such as heavy customers to purchase verified and accredited transport, manufacturing and our gas zero emission gas as is currently the case for networks.” renewable electricity. Time to unlock Australia’s bioenergy potential Jemena Executive General Manager, Gas Bioenergy is derived from plants, animals, and Distribution, Dr Jennifer Purdie said as their by-products and residues such as Australia looks to recover from the economic agriculture, farming, human and forestry impacts of COVID-19, renewable gas could wastes and remains. Converted into unlock regional jobs, business growth, biomethane, it can provide reliable and enhance energy security, and be injected into responsive carbon neutral energy for homes the network with no impact to customer and businesses. appliances. According to Bioenergy Australia, the total “Australia has the capacity to be a world contribution of the biofuels industry to the US leader in zero emission gas. Several green economy in 2016 was $459 billion, employing hydrogen gas trials have commenced for 4.65 million direct and indirect workers.
    [Show full text]
  • 9/06/2021 Dr Kerry Schott AO Chair, Energy Security Board Lodged by Email: Info@Esb.Org.Au Dear Dr Schott
    ABN 70 250 995 390 180 Thomas Street, Sydney PO Box A1000 Sydney South NSW 1235 Australia T (02) 9284 3000 F (02) 9284 3456 9/06/2021 Dr Kerry Schott AO Chair, Energy Security Board Lodged by email: info@esb.org.au Dear Dr Schott, Submission to the Energy Security Board’s post 2025 market design options paper We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Energy Security Board’s (ESB) post 2025 market design options paper. Australia is in the midst of an energy transition and the energy system is evolving at a rapid pace. TransGrid’s responsibility during this transition and beyond is to invest in, operate and manage our transmission network safely, securely and efficiently in the long-term interests of consumers. To this end, our Board has very recently made a Final Investment Decision to proceed with the construction of Project EnergyConnect (PEC), a high voltage interconnector between New South Wales and South Australia. We strongly support the work of the ESB to ensure that the National Electricity Market (NEM) design is fit for purpose and provides for a reliable and affordable supply of electricity to consumers. Our view is that it is essential that the post 2025 market design provides consumers with reliable and secure power at lower cost through: Ensuring that a centralised transmission network continues to be the backbone of the energy system - to enable efficiently located, large scale storage and renewable generation in the NEM. The connection of large scale renewable energy zones (REZs) to the grid as well as greater interconnection between the NEM regions will deliver this.
    [Show full text]
  • Energy Transition in Australia
    ENERGY TRANSITION IN AUSTRALIA FLANDERS INVESTMENT & TRADE MARKET SURVEY Market Study /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ENERGY TRANSITION IN AUSTRALIA State of Play 2020 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Flanders Investment & Trade Autstralia Pty Ltd 103/838 Collins Street Docklands VIC 3008 Australia T. +61 3 96 14 09 80 E. melbourne@fitagency.com www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. FOREWORD .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 COVID-19 impact 5 2. AUSTRALIAN MACRO-FACTOR ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................... 6 DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS 6 ECONOMIC FACTORS 7 3. ENERGY MARKET (GENERAL STATISTICS - SNAPSHOT) .............................................................................. 8 ENERGY GENERATION 8 ENERGY CONSUMPTION 8 ENERGY COSTS 9 4. ENERGY DISTRIBUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 10 ENERGY NETWORKS 10 ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION 11 ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION 12 ELECTRICITY (AND GAS) RETAILING 13 4.4.1 Electricity retailing 13 4.4.2 Gas Retailing
    [Show full text]
  • Project Energyconnect: Updated Cost Benefit Analysis
    PROJECT ENERGYCONNECT Updated Cost Benefit Analysis 30 September 2020 Project EnergyConnect: Updated Cost Benefit Analysis Copyright and Disclaimer Copyright in this material is owned by or licensed to ElectraNet. Permission to publish, modify, commercialise or alter this material must be sought directly from ElectraNet. Reasonable endeavours have been used to ensure that the information contained in this report is accurate at the time of writing. However, ElectraNet gives no warranty and accepts no liability for any loss or damage incurred in reliance on this information. Revision Record Date Version Description Author Checked By Approved By 9 Sep 2020 Final Final draft for AER review Brad Harrison Hugo Klingenberg Rainer Korte Draft Simon Appleby 30 Sep 2020 Final Final for publication Brad Harrison Simon Appleby Rainer Korte Page 2 of 35 Project EnergyConnect: Updated Cost Benefit Analysis Executive Summary Project EnergyConnect (PEC) is the proposed new 330 kV electricity interconnector between Robertstown in South Australia and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales that also includes a short 220 kV line from Buronga in New South Wales and Red Cliffs in northwest Victoria. ElectraNet completed the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) with the release of a Project Assessment Conclusion Report (PACR) on 13 February 2019, which concluded that Project EnergyConnect was the preferred option that satisfied the requirements of the RIT-T. On 24 January 2020 the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) issued a formal determination that found that ElectraNet had correctly identified Project EnergyConnect as the preferred option. The National Electricity Rules (NER) require ElectraNet to consider whether, in its reasonable opinion, there has been a “material change in circumstances” that might lead to a change in the preferred option and thereby potentially require reapplication of the RIT-T.
    [Show full text]
  • Clean Energy Australia Report 2021
    CLEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA REPORT 2021 AUSTRALIA CLEAN ENERGY CLEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA REPORT 2021 CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 2020 snapshot 12 Jobs and investment in renewable energy by state 16 Industry outlook: small-scale renewable energy 20 Industry outlook: large-scale renewable energy 22 Federal politics 24 State policies 26 Australian Capital Territory 28 New South Wales 30 Northern Territory 32 Queensland 34 South Australia 36 Tasmania 38 Victoria 40 Western Australia 42 Employment 46 Renewables for business 50 International update 52 Electricity prices 54 Transmission 56 Energy reliability 58 Technology profiles 60 Battery storage 64 Bioenergy 66 Hydro and pumped hydro 68 Hydrogen 70 Solar: Small-scale systems up to 100 kW 78 Solar: Medium-scale systems between 100 kW and 5 MW 80 Solar: Large-scale systems larger than 5 MW 84 Wind Cover image: Wind turbine blade installation, Collector Wind Farm, New South Wales INTRODUCTION Kane Thornton Chief Executive, Clean Energy Council Australia’s clean energy came from clean energy sources, territories’ progressive energy policies transition accelerated with wind and rooftop solar leading only served to highlight the ongoing again in 2020 as wind the way. This represents a massive failures at the federal level, where transformation that makes Australia’s arguments about government support and rooftop solar set new electricity system cheaper, more for gas and coal overshadowed some records, battery storage reliable and, most importantly, cleaner. genuinely positive developments. came of age, and the But the best news is that the shift is These included the continued showing no sign of slowing down. hydrogen sector continued growth of clean energy jobs, with the its rapid development.
    [Show full text]
  • Page 0 of 22
    Page 0 of 22 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................2 2. The Technology Mix ......................................................................................................................................2 2.1. Meeting NSW Electricity Consumption .................................................................................................3 2.2. The Rooftop Revolution ........................................................................................................................7 2.2.1. The Financial Driver – Cutting Bills ................................................................................................7 2.2.2. Limits to Rooftop PV Growth ........................................................................................................8 2.2.3. Growth in number of households .................................................................................................9 2.2.4. Commercial Rooftop Solar ............................................................................................................9 2.3. Solar Farm Land Use .............................................................................................................................9 2.4. Dispatchable Balancing Capacity ........................................................................................................ 10 2.5. Transmission .....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • FOR the FUTURE Spark Infrastructure’S 2020 Annual Report Describes How We Have Created Value Over the Year Through Our Investments in Essential Energy Infrastructure
    ANNUAL REPORT 2020 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE Spark Infrastructure’s 2020 Annual Report describes how we have created value over the year through our investments in essential energy infrastructure. As a long-term investor, we aim to generate sustainable returns for Securityholders while delivering positive outcomes for our customers, our people, and the communities where we operate. CONTENTS Our 2020 Annual Report describes our performance according to key stakeholder outcomes. It includes our Directors’ Report and Financial Report. Securityholders Customers Our people, Innovation and Environment p16 and community health and safety technology p36 p24 p28 p32 Spark Infrastructure at a glance 2 Governance 40 Chair’s message 6 Board of Directors 42 Managing Director’s message 8 Management team 43 How we create value 10 Annual Financial Report Performance outcomes (including Directors’ report) 44 Creating value for Securityholders 16 Additional ASX disclosures 124 Partnering with customers and community 24 Glossary of terms 126 Supporting our people 28 Contact information 127 Leading through innovation and technology 32 Five-year performance summary 128 Acting on environmental risks and opportunities 36 AGM DETAILS 2020 REPORTING SUITE Annual General Meeting ANNUAL REPORT CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 11:30am, Thursday, 27 May 2021 2020 2020 INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE FOR THE FUTURE Further details about the AGM can SUSTAINABILITY DATA REPORT 2020INFRASTRUCTURE be found on Spark’s website at FOR THE FUTURE https://www.sparkinfrastructure.
    [Show full text]
  • 24 July 2020 Dear Stakeholders, Project Energyconnect Update
    24 July 2020 Dear Stakeholders, Project EnergyConnect Update Project EnergyConnect (PEC) is the proposed, new, 330-kV electricity interconnector between Robertstown, in South Australia, and Wagga Wagga, in New South Wales, that also includes a short 220-kV spur from Buronga, in New South Wales, to Red Cliffs in northwest Victoria. Background In 2016, ElectraNet began exploring options to reduce the cost of providing secure and reliable electricity, enhance power system security in South Australia, and facilitate the long-term transition of the energy sector across the National Electricity Market (NEM) to low emission energy sources. In November 2016, we released a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) that explored the technical and economic feasibility of a new interconnector between South Australia and the eastern states as well as other non-network solution options, through the SA Energy Transformation Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T). The RIT-T is the economic cost benefit test that is overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and applies to all major network investments in the NEM. In June 2018, a Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) was released identifying that the construction of a new, high-capacity interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales would deliver substantial net benefits to customers. In February 2019, following extensive consultation with stakeholders we released a Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) as the final step in the RIT-T process. The RIT-T PACR estimated the cost of the project to be $1.53 billion with a completion date of 2022 to 2024. To deliver the project, ElectraNet is partnering with TransGrid, the manager and operator of the high voltage electricity transmission network in NSW.
    [Show full text]