Canadian Solar Inc. has received planning approval from the state government of New South Wales for the construction of the Gunning solar farm, a major renewable energy project in the Southern Tablelands region.
The project will feature a 250-MW solar park combined with 150 MW/600 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The approval comes with certain conditions, including road upgrades for access to the site.
The AUD 651 million (USD 429.2 million/EUR 400.4 million) project is expected to generate enough electricity to power up to 92,000 homes once operational.
The solar farm will utilize Canadian Solar's bifacial panels mounted on single-axis trackers, optimizing energy production. The battery storage system will store excess solar power and release it during peak demand periods, enhancing grid stability.
Canadian Solar initially acquired a 51% stake in the Gunning solar project from Photon Energy in 2018 and became the sole owner in 2021 following an asset swap with the Dutch developer.
The project is projected to contribute AUD 4.7 million to the local community and council over its operational lifetime.
