The Project will involve the construction, operation and decommissioning a photovoltaic (PV) solar facility with a targeted electricity generating capacity of approximately 280 MW Direct Current (DC), battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of approximately 200 MW / 400 MWh, and associated infrastructure. 

The Project Area is crossed by an existing 330 kilovolt (kV) above-ground transmission line which traverses southwest-northeast section of the Project Area. The transmission line is owned and operated by TransGrid (Line 85) and runs from Armidale to Tamworth. The Project will supply electricity to the national electricity grid via the existing electricity transmission network. 

The total Project Area is 606.4 ha, with a disturbance footprint of 476.6 ha and avoidance area of 129.8 ha. This disturbance footprint includes impacts to approximately 103.4 ha of native vegetation communities.

The proposed action will include construction, operation and decommissioning activities which will include native vegetation clearing, excavation, construction of solar array foundations and hard stand areas, construction of access roads and laydown areas, construction of ancillary infrastructure and associated temporary construction noise. Construction activities will result in direct impacts to known or potential habitat for listed threatened species and communities through vegetation clearing and habitat loss. Indirect impacts to areas of retained habitat may occur through changes to light, noise and hydrology features during the construction phase.  

Project elements include:

Solar Arrays

• The PV array will be the largest component of the Project and will comprise approximately 430,000 PV modules, each with a nameplate capacity of approximately 665 W, installed on single-axis tracking structures across three solar arrays (east, north and south). Each PV module typically measures 2.4 m by 1.3 m with rows spacing approximately 6.2 m apart. 
• The operational rotation range of the tracking system is typically +/- 60 degrees from the horizontal position. The maximum height of the PV modules above natural ground is up to 4.2 m. The modules will typically return to face east after sunset.   
• Individual PV modules are constructed using a “high-transmission, low-iron” glass which has lower reflectance and therefore glare than that of normal glass. A coating applied to the module surface creates a stippled finish to further diffuse the reflected light and therefore energy.   
• The PV modules will feature an unpainted aluminium frame to provide structural support and facilitate module mounting on the tracking structure
• The final number of PV modules within the three arrays and tracker design will be dependent on detailed design, equipment availability and commercial considerations. These dimensions may alter based on site constraints such as boundaries, riparian zone, existing vegetation, and access tracks. 

BESS

• The BESS will be located within the site compound, laydown and substation footprint area, occupying an area of up to 20,000 m2.  The BESS will utilise lithium-ion technology with a nameplate capacity of approximately 200 MW / 400 MWh. The BESS will utilise a pre-assembled and pre-tested, fully integrated system that includes the battery modules, inverters, transformers, thermal management system, circuit breakers and other controls.  The number and layout of battery modules and cabinets would be confirmed during detailed design.
• The BESS will include a liquid cooling system to optimally operate the cells within a wide range of ambient temperatures.  The BESS will be temperature monitored, and the automated control system will stop/reduce its operation if the temperature exceeds pre-set levels to prevent overheating. The BESS will be certified to UL9540A to prevent fire propagation between units, and ignition from external fire sources.   

Solar PV Power Conversion Units (PCUs)

• A total of approximately 60 modular PCUs will be utilised, incorporating inverters and transformers and associated control equipment. Each modular PCU structure will typically be the size of a 40 foot (ft) shipping container structure, with an installed height of approximately 4 m.
• The PCUs will be connected to the solar array blocks to convert the DC electricity generated by the PV modules into AC power for reticulation around the site and connection to the electricity grid. 

Electrical Reticulation and Grid Connection 

• The Solar Farm and BESS will each have a dedicated 33/330kV transformer which will be in the substation adjacent to the switching station. The substation will be connected to the switching station, and the switching station will be connected to the existing 330 kV line, which separates the north and south arrays.
• The substation will be comprised of two transformers, high voltage switchgear, metering, protection and communications infrastructure.  A security fence will surround the substation. The switchyards and associated equipment will be designed in accordance with AS2067, AS3000 as well as the associated referenced standards. The design will consider the site environmental conditions. 

On-site O&M Facility 

• A permanent site O&M Facility will be constructed to provide for all operations and maintenance activities associated with the Project.  The O&M Facility will be located adjacent the substation and BESS.

Other Infrastructure

• Additional infrastructure will generally be constructed and utilised within the Project Area, including water management, sediment and erosion control structures, fencing and access tracks.

Internal Access Tracks

• The ongoing maintenance of the Project will be accessed through internal access tracks within the Project area, that will be connected to existing public roads. The tracks will provide ongoing access to the PV modules, substation and other Project infrastructure including the existing 330 kV line.  Where practicable, the internal access track network will be aligned along the route of existing farm tracks to reduce impacts to biodiversity and to provide upgraded access for ongoing agricultural activities. 
• The internal access tracks will be up to 6 m trafficable width, with localised widening on curves and where required to support transportation of the over-dimensional component vehicles.  The internal access tracks will be constructed using gravel or sealed pavements. 

Lighting 

• Lighting will typically be required on each PCU, at the substation, switchyard and O&M Facility. Security lighting will be installed adjacent to security fencing and O&M Facility. All lighting will be designed, managed and operated in accordance with ‘AS 4282 Control of Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting’ (Standards Australia, 2019), to reduce negligible light spill

Landscape

• The landscape strategy for the Project Area will include vegetation planting to screen the western and southwest boundaries, providing a visual buffer to the surrounding areas. Landscaping will comprise planting of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers, designed to be low-maintenance and which will further enhance the natural habitat associated with the existing environment. 

External Infrastructure 

• The Project will rely on Tamworth existing waste and wastewater disposal facilities and the existing external road network. Public power and communications infrastructure may also be utilised. 
• The Project will operate as a stand-alone operation; however, may also utilise various electrical reticulation, monitoring masts and other infrastructure from the Bendemeer Wind Farm (upon its positive determination) as described and assessed in that Application.

A detailed description of the proposed action and activities is provided in the attached ‘Bendemeer Solar Farm EPBC Act Significant Impact Assessment Report’, Section 1.3, pp 2-5).