Maison Dieu Solar Farm will generate enough clean renewable energy to power approximately 19,000 average NSW homes.

About Terrain Solar

Terrain Solar is an experienced, Australian and NSW owned and operated solar company. We have successfully delivered over 5 solar projects across regional Australia and are committed to working with the local community as we plan, build and operate our solar projects. Our solar projects span across a broad range of regional locations in NSW and QLD, including at Wagga Wagga, Junee, Corowa, Warwick and Molong. We currently have a broad NSW portfolio of large-scale solar farms in development, including the Marulan Solar Farm.

Quick Facts

Status:

In Development

Size:

60MW

Location:

Hunter - NSW

Network Operator:

Ausgrid

About the Project

Terrain Solar is seeking approval to build a large-scale solar energy project on Maison Dieu Road, Maison Dieu. The Maison Dieu Solar Farm will produce approximately 60 Megawatts (MWac) of energy, and will be used to send clean, renewable power into the grid, generating enough energy to power approximately 19,000 homes in NSW.

A 40MW/80MWhour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) would store the electricity generated from the solar farm throughout the day, and then dispatch this energy into the electricity grid when it is needed most. The solar farm and battery would help provide much needed stability to the electrical grid as existing fossil fuel generators exit the market in Australia.

Maison Dieu Solar Farm will assist in the rapid decarbonisation initiative outlined by the NSW government’s critical Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap (https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/electricity-infrastructure-roadmap)

Terrain Solar are committed to working closely with the community and relevant authorities, to ensure that the project is aligned with local needs and values.

Land Secured

2022

Development Approval

2024

Grid Connection Approval

2025

Completion of Development Phase

2025

Construction Commencement

2025

Operations and Energisation

2026

Planning Process & Project Links

We are seeking planning approval of the project from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) through a State Significant Development Application (SSDA). As part of this process, Terrain Solar submitted a preliminary report, the Scoping Report, to the Department of Planning and Environment in August 2022 and received Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). The SEARs guide us on what’s required to be assessed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The SEARs require us to undertake a number of in-depth technical studies and assessments of the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the project. These assessments will form the make up of the EIS that we are currently preparing.

What is an EIS? An EIS is a publicly available document that provides information on a project, including its environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures. The EIS should support decision-making and enable community and other stakeholders to understand the projects and its impacts.

Publicly available planning documents including the EIS will be available for download on Projects website here once they are available.

Maison Dieu Major Projects Website

Employment Opportunities

At the peak of construction, the project will provide employment and specialist training for up to 150 jobs, with opportunities for local contractors and subcontractors. Construction for a project of this size is anticipated to take up to 18 months.

Where possible Maison Dieu Solar Farm will look to recruit from within the region, helping to keep benefits from the project in the local area. We will continue to engage with the community about these opportunities as planning continues.

If you are interested in future employment or contracting opportunities, please email the team at info@maisondieusolarfarm.com.au where we will register your details on our database.