Solar farm at old Australian coal mine gets environmental approval

Renewable energy developer OX2 has received environmental approval for the Muswellbrook solar and storage project in New South Wales, Australia.

The 135MW project, which already holds development approval, will be built by an old coal mine on land primarily owned by mine operator Idemitsu Australia.

It's part of a broader initiative to create an industrial and energy innovation hub on the former mining site, which stopped operating in 2022.

Catherine Way, director of Development, OX2 Australia, commented on the announcement: “This is a leading example of the transition of the Upper Hunter Valley from coal mining to innovative post-mining land uses. The Muswellbrook solar project is an early mover in the re-purposing of a coal mine into an energy generation site and serves as an important test case for the broader region.”

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EPBC approval is Australia’s central piece of environmental legislation and involves several stages of referral, assessment, and approval. Muswellbrook is the second OX2 project in Australia to receive EPBC approval, with the 90MW Summerville solar and storage project getting the green light in July.

Stephen Symons, country manager, OX2 Australia, commented: “I’m proud to see the continued progress of our projects in Australia. These approvals reflect the strength and professionalism of our team, as well as the growing momentum behind renewable energy across the country.”

OX2’s portfolio in Australia currently includes 3.7GW of solar, wind, and storage projects under development and construction.