A Breath of Fresh Air: The Rise of Renewable Energy in New South Wales

May 24, 2024, 9:35 pm
Someva Renewables
Someva Renewables
EnergyTechFuture
Mainstream Renewable Power
EnergyTechGrowth
Location: Ireland, Dublin City, Dublin
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 2008
In a world where the winds of change are blowing stronger than ever, Mainstream Renewable Power and Someva Renewables have been granted a permit to investigate the development of a 500 MW onshore wind farm in the picturesque landscape of New South Wales, Australia. This collaborative effort, set in the serene Sunny Corner State Forest, aims to harness the power of nature to provide clean, sustainable energy to approximately 300,000 homes while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by over 1 million tonnes annually.

The journey towards this ambitious project began with a 15-month competitive tender and selection process, culminating in the awarding of the permit by the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the region's energy transition, as the proposed wind farm seeks to become one of the first to be hosted in a New South Wales State Plantation Forest.

Located halfway between the bustling cities of Lithgow and Bathurst, and just 200 kilometers from Sydney's Central Business District, the Sunny Corner Wind Farm promises not only to power homes but also to serve as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future. The installation of a met mast and consultations with local communities, First Nations people, forest users, councils, and businesses are the next steps in the investigative process, paving the way for the project to seek planning approvals from the New South Wales Government.

Throughout the development, construction, and operations of the wind project, the Sunny Corner State Forest will remain accessible for forestry users and recreational activities, highlighting the project's commitment to coexisting harmoniously with nature. The industrial softwood production in the state-owned Forestry Corporation's pine plantations provides an ideal setting for wind farms, offering vast areas in windy locations with access to powerlines and an existing road network.

Mainstream's Group CEO, Mary Quaney, commended the Forestry Corporation for their forward-thinking approach in diversifying land use to support the renewable energy transition. She emphasized the pivotal role that the Sunny Corner Wind Farm could play in New South Wales' energy transition, providing clean, affordable, and reliable power to the region. Someva Managing Director, Jamie Chivers, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project as a milestone for New South Wales and a testament to the power of innovative renewable energy developments in strengthening regional prosperity.

Anshul Chaudhary, CEO of the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, expressed delight in awarding the permit to Mainstream and Someva, marking a significant step forward in the state's renewable energy journey. The permits, the first to be awarded after amendments to the Forestry Act in 2021, signify a new era of collaboration between renewable energy projects and state forests.

As the Sunny Corner project progresses, with Mainstream Renewable Power and Someva Renewables leading the charge in this 51/49 joint venture, the potential for positive impact on the region's energy landscape becomes increasingly apparent. Stay updated on the development of the Sunny Corner Wind Farm by visiting the respective websites of Mainstream and Someva, and witness firsthand the transformation of New South Wales into a hub of clean, sustainable energy.

In a world where the need for renewable energy solutions has never been more urgent, the Sunny Corner Wind Farm stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.