The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) of New South Wales has granted conditional development approval for ACEN Australia’s proposed 943-megawatt (MW) Valley of the Winds wind farm, the company said on Thursday.
The project, which also includes a 320MW battery energy storage system, will be located within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, across land near Coolah, Leadville and Uarbry in Warrumbungle Shire. It is backed by an estimated investment of A$1.68 billion ($1.12 billion).
“The Commission has determined that conditional development consent should be granted,” the IPC stated in its final decision, noting the project’s alignment with state energy policy and its contribution to New South Wales’ energy transition objectives.
The commission found the site suitable for development and concluded the project’s public benefits outweigh its residual environmental and social impacts. The decision followed extensive public consultation, including more than 50 written objections, a public meeting, and input from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure as well as the Warrumbungle Shire Council.
ACEN Australia welcomed the approval and acknowledged the role of local stakeholders. “As we progress towards the construction stage, we remain committed to ongoing consultation and engagement,” the company said in a statement.
The development is expected to generate up to 400 construction jobs and 50 permanent operational roles.
The IPC attached a series of conditions to the approval, addressing biodiversity protection, decommissioning, noise management, water sourcing, heritage conservation, and continued community consultation. Several modifications were made to draft conditions based on concerns raised during the review process.
