Plans to develop a solar and battery project at Mitchells Flat, approximately 75 kilometers northwest of Newcastle, have been abandoned by the developer. This decision has been hailed as a “really welcome outcome” for the surrounding New South Wales communities.
Elgin Energy, predominantly owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, was in the early stages of developing a 90-megawatt (MW) solar farm alongside a 90 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The project, involving 177,000 solar panels, was slated for Mitchells Flat, a small rural area with a population of around 250, located 12 kilometers northeast of Singleton and 150 kilometers north of Sydney.
Community Concerns and Opposition
The site was identified by Elgin as lower quality agricultural land, or ‘Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land,’ deemed suitable for solar due to its “relatively flat and clear land with few environmental constraints.” However, local opposition intensified following a community meeting at the Singleton library in August 2024, spearheaded by the Singleton Solar Standoff community group.
Michael Holz, a group member who addressed a New South Wales government inquiry into the impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) on rural and regional communities, emphasized that the community’s objection was not against the technology but the proposed location. “Our community is simply asking that developments like what is proposed at Mitchells Flat be constructed in the right location within the Singleton LGA so that they do not impact on either our rural residential communities or our productive farming land,” Holz stated.
Alternative Locations and Historical Context
Holz highlighted that the proposed site, east of Singleton, is near new residential developments, whereas local industrial projects, such as mining and power generation, are traditionally located to the north and west of Singleton. “Anyone that has visited the Hunter Valley is aware that there are vast areas of mining rehab and buffer lands that are ideal for solar projects, given their cheaper establishment cost, being in close proximity to existing electrical grid infrastructure,” Holz added.
He pointed to examples like the Maxwell Solar Farm, proposed in 2019 for the old Drayton Mine site, the Muswellbrook Pumped Hydro Project at the former Muswellbrook Coal Mine site, and the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub, which plans to utilize part of the Stratford coal mine post-mining. Each of these projects is situated to the west and north of Singleton.
Infrastructure Concerns
Residents were also concerned about the proposed 14 kilometers of high voltage transmission lines from the solar farm and battery, much of which would be constructed within the existing road reserve along several local roads.
Political and Community Reactions
Federal Hunter MP Dan Repacholi expressed relief over Elgin’s decision to abandon the project in a Facebook post earlier this week. “Like many locals across the Hunter, I know there’s been a lot of concern raised about this project, from land use and environmental impacts through to what it would mean for the future of our regional landscape,” Repacholi commented.
“Elgin’s decision is a positive step, and I think it’s fair to say there’s a real sense of relief across the community that they’ve chosen to focus their development efforts elsewhere. This outcome shows just how important it is that local voices are heard when it comes to major developments in our region.”
Renew Economy has reached out to Elgin Energy for further comments on the decision.
Implications and Future Developments
The move represents a significant victory for local advocacy groups and underscores the importance of community engagement in renewable energy projects. As the global push towards sustainable energy continues, balancing environmental goals with local interests remains a critical challenge.
Looking ahead, the focus may shift towards identifying alternative sites that align with both community preferences and logistical feasibility. The Hunter Valley’s history of industrial use presents opportunities for repurposing land for renewable energy, potentially setting a precedent for future projects.
As renewable energy infrastructure expands, the dialogue between developers, governments, and communities will be crucial in ensuring that projects not only meet energy needs but also respect the landscapes and lives they impact.
