Warradarge Solar Farm — Synergy Renewable Energy Development

Overview

The West Australian government plans to close all government-owned coal-fired power stations by 2030. Synergy’s decarbonisation strategy means we’re continually looking for opportunities to expand our fleet of renewable generation assets.

To help support this strategy, SynergyRED is currently undertaking a feasibility assessment for a proposed solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) within the existing Warradarge Wind Farm development envelope. This assessment will form the basis of a Development Application which will be submitted to the Shire of Coorow.

Snapshot

Up to 500 MW solar farm
Up to 500 MW BESS
Located within existing Warradarge Wind Farm development area.

What are we investigating as part of the Feasibility Study?

Flora and fauna
Bushfire
Noise
Traffic
Heritage
Visual impact
Glint and glare

Warradarge Wind Farm

Warradarge Wind Farm is recognised as one of the top performing wind farms in the country, leveraging the Mid West’s strong and reliable wind resource. Construction of Stage Two is currently underday. When complete there will be 81 wind turbines with a capacity of generating 283 MW of renewable power.

Adding the solar and battery component will leverage the site’s favourable positioning to the 330 kV transmission line, heading into the northern section of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), contributing to the reliability and stability of the energy system as we transition towards renewable sources.

Why add battery and solar?

By co-locating solar panels and a BESS on the same site as the wind farm, we can:

Reduce environmental impact and lower costs by sharing infrastructure such as substations, access roads, and energy system connections.
Balance energy output by smoothing fluctuations in generation and ensuring a more stable flow of energy to the energy system.
Store surplus energy during periods of high generation and low demand, then release it during peak demand times - such as in the early evening when solar generation drops but energy use remains high.

Protecting the environment

Synergy is committed to protecting and preserving the environment through responsible environmental stewardship. To achieve this, Synergy would avoid clearing native vegetation where possible and integrate environmental sustainability into the planning, design, construction, maintenance, decommissioning, and decommissioning of all assets.

1. Project Exploration ✓
  Identifying and investigating an area’s potential for energy generation through desktop research and early engagement with landowners.
2. Studies and Approvals •
  Conducting detailed studies to determine the technical, social and commercial viability of a project. This includes engaging with the community, measuring the resource, conducting surveys and obtaining relevant approvals.
3. Financial Feasibility
  Engaging suppliers to procure services and equipment. Exploring funding opportunities and progressing grid connection process.
4. Construction
  Preparing the site and constructing the project infrastructure.
5. Operations
  Operating and maintaining the facility and associated infrastructure to generate energy.
6. End of Life
  Extending the life of the facility, rebuilding it with newer technology, or closing and restoring the site. Where possible, materials are recycled, re-used or repurposed.
Warradarge Solar Farm Info Sheet

Proposed layouts

The below images are renders of possible solar farm layouts.

General information on Solar Farms

Solar energy is one of the most abundant and sustainable energy sources available, especially in Western Australia. It is harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight into energy using semiconductor materials.

Smart land use

Solar farms can be installed on agricultural land enabling economic diversification for landowners. It allows dual land use for sheep grazing close by.

General information on Solar Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) BESS, or ‘big batteries’, can help to keep the energy system stable and support more renewable energy in our system. Batteries can absorb excess energy in the system when supply is high and demand is low during the day, store it and then discharge the stored energy into the system when demand picks up again in the afternoon and evening. Batteries can scale up and down rapidly, which can help to smooth the supply and demand variability in the energy system.

Contact us

Community Team — Grace
0455 338 299 | community@synergy.net.au

Proposed Warradarge Solar Farm