South Energy is pleased to announce that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has completed its assessment of the Generator Performance Standards (GPS) for the Campbells Forest Solar Farm (the Project) and has issued approval pursuant to clause 5.3.4A of the National Electricity Rules.

Despite the challenges in the West Murray Zone that covers most parts of the network in northern and western Victoria and southern New South Wales, AEMO has determined that the Project can operate in accordance with the required standards, after completion of a range of detailed studies including a full impact assessment. This reflects the Project’s technical robustness and South Energy’s meticulous forward thinking when developing large-scale projects at strategic locations.

The GPS approval is one of the most complex and significant milestones for the Project. We are greatly pleased to have received this approval and would like to express our appreciation to AEMO for the continued support that has enabled South Energy to achieve this significant milestone.

The 205 MW Campbells Forest Solar Farm is located within the Loddon Shire, approximately 20 km north of Bendigo and 140 km northwest of Melbourne. Once completed, the Project is expected to generate enough green energy to power over 70,000 households, and will include a new terminal station for connection to the existing Bendigo-Kerang 220 kV transmission powerline, and potential co-located large-scale battery systems. The planning permit for the Project was approved in April 2020.

In the next few months, South Energy will continue working with AEMO and relevant parties to complete the connection contracts, with the aim of achieving financial close in early 2023.

South Energy is pleased to announce that the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) has approved South Energy’s plan to build a switchyard in connection with its $150 million Benger Solar Farm project in Western Australia.

Known as the Kemerton Renewable Energy Node (KEREN), the switchyard is strategically placed within the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area (KSIA) to offer power generated from the Benger Solar Farm in a micro grid setup, helping the commercial clients to save on energy costs and offset carbon emissions. Any excess green power will be exported to the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).

The 110 MW Benger Solar Farm is located within the Shire of Harvey, approximately 140 km south of Perth. Planning permit for the development was approved by JDAP in late 2019, followed by an access proposal by Western Power for connection to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) in mid-2021. The solar farm and KEREN are expected to commence construction in first half of 2023 and start operating by the end of 2024.