The Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub has been deemed a State Significant Development (SSD) by the NSW Government. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared as per the SSD Guidelines, to ensure the project achieves an appropriate balance between environmental, social and economic considerations and is in the public interest. The EIS will undergo a public exhibition period, prior to assessment by the Department of Environment and Planning.
The solar and wind components of the Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub will have separate EIS documents and be assessed separately, as the solar and BESS components are proposed to be delivered prior to the wind components.
The below timeline outlines key milestones that will be achieved as part of the SSD development process.
Site Identification (2020-21)
Comprehensive analysis of wind and solar resources, environmental and engineering constraints, and proximity to electricity grid, services and infrastructure.
Site identification for the solar and wind farm, and execution of landholder agreements.
Pre-Feasibility Study (2019-2021)
Determined a feasible wind and solar resource with adequate grid capacity to support the project.
Once the site is selected, a preliminary financial model is developed to understand if the development is legally and economically feasible.
Planning and Approvals
All State Significant developments are required to prepare a comprehensive environmental impact statement to ensure the project achieves an appropriate balance between environmental, social and economic considerations and is in the public interest.
Solar Farm and BESS
Scoping Report submitted – January 2022
SEARS Received – March 2022
EIS Submission – Planned March 2023
Wind Farm
Scoping Report – planned submission end of 2022
EIS Submission – Planned early 2024
Wind Monitoring Campaign (2022-2024)
Comprehensive site specific wind monitoring campaign using Meteorological Masts, LiDAR and SoDAR installed and managed by specialised and experienced consultants.
Grid Connection
Solar – Expected April 2023
Wind – Expected Late 2024
Construction
Solar and BESS – expected to commence late 2023
Wind – expected to commence late 2025
Commissioning and Operation
Undertaking all required engineering and electrical due diligence and connecting the project to the electricity grid to feed energy into the Australian Electricity Market.
Solar and BESS – expected late 2024
Wind – expected late 2027
Recommissioning or Decommissioning
The project life is approximately 25 years. At this time feasibility studies and landholder consultation would be undertaken to determine if the project is to be recommissioned (rebuilt with latest technology at the time) or decommissioned.