Samsung C&T wins environmental approval in Australia for 300 MWh solar-storage plant in just 19 days

The Australian government has fast-tracked in 19 days environmental approval to Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia for its Queensland-based 300 MW Dunmore solar and 150 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

The proposal was reviewed through Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Located at Dunmore in Queensland, around 250 kilometres west of Brisbane, the solar farm and 2-hour duration 150 MW BESS was approved in 19 days and will not need new transmission lines or substantial land clearing.

Samsung C&T Renewable Energy will build the project on previously cleared land beside an existing transmission line, and once operational it will generate power more than 140,000 homes, with the integrated battery system providing 150 MW / 300 MWh to supply power for two hours.

The project will reduce emissions by approximately 740,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum, the same as taking 275,000 fossil-fuel powered cars off the road.

Federal Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt said good site selection unlocks rapid approvals for critical renewable projects like this.

“By selecting a good site near existing transmission lines, the proponent helped this project speed through the approvals process, unlocking our green future,” Watt said.

From pv magazine Australia.