In a surprising turn of events, remote objectors are making their voices heard, forcing two more massive solar and battery projects into the spotlight. Despite the projects' distance from their homes, these individuals are passionate about their cause, even if it's controversially against renewable energy.
The Independent Planning Commission in New South Wales, Australia, is now reviewing two significant renewable energy ventures. Spark Energy's Dinawan solar and battery project, an impressive 800 MW solar complex with a substantial 356 MW/1,574 MWh battery, is under scrutiny. Alongside it, Edify Energy's Burroway 100 MW solar project, accompanied by a 100 MW, 400 MWh battery, is also up for review.
These projects are the newest additions to a growing list of renewable energy and storage initiatives facing external scrutiny. This includes large-scale batteries near Albury and Deniliquin, which were referred to the IPC due to a loophole in NSW planning laws that triggers a review when more than 50 submissions are received, regardless of the proximity of the objectors.
Interestingly, many of these projects face little to no opposition from locals. Take the Dinawan solar-battery project, for instance, which is part of a future energy hub that will also feature a wind farm. Only three submissions originated from within 5 km of the project, with 11 more within 100 km. The majority, 66 submissions, came from over 100 km away, including 12 from other states. And here's where it gets intriguing: three special interest groups voiced objections, one of which, Climate and Energy Realists from Queensland, denies the existence of a climate emergency and advocates for the cancellation of energy subsidies, while ironically supporting nuclear energy, which often relies on substantial subsidies.
Local authorities, including the council, did not oppose the Dinawan project, and Spark even made adjustments following consultations. The project is situated in a prime renewable energy region, between Coleambally and Jerilderie, where two solar farms already exist, and numerous other solar, battery, and wind projects are proposed, including the nation's largest at Yanco Delta.
The Burroway project, near Narromine, received 81 objections, none from within 5 km but 18 from other states. Five of these objections came from special interest groups, including Rainforest Reserves, who expressed concerns about renewable energy reliability and potential agricultural land loss, claiming it could significantly harm the Dubbo region. Edify Energy has been responsive, amending traffic plans and agreeing to provide temporary housing for construction workers.
This story highlights the power of individual voices in shaping energy projects, even from afar. It begs the question: How should we balance local and distant concerns in the pursuit of sustainable energy?
