An EDF Renewables Australia and Malabar Resources Ltd joint venture will develop a solar farm and battery storage system in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
EDF Renewables and Malabar Resources’ Edderton Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be constructed on land adjacent to Malabar Resources’ Maxwell Underground Mine south of Muswellbrook.
The joint venture couples Malabar Resources’ unique location near existing electricity infrastructure with EDF Renewables’ global experience and expertise in the power generation sector.
The project will also benefit from Malabar’s long-term engagement with local communities and stakeholders and experience in developing major projects in the Upper Hunter Valley.
The collaboration highlights the companies’ shared commitment to creating a sustainable future for Australia while ensuring the local community benefits from the initiative through a more reliable, cheaper and cleaner energy supply.
“This joint venture will be a significant milestone in the development of the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, and we look forward to working closely with EDF Renewables and the local community,” said Wayne Seabrook, Chairman of Malabar Resources.
The Edderton Solar Farm and BESS follow formal agreements signed in 2020 and 2021 by Malabar Resources and EDF Renewables to support the development of significant solar power and energy storage projects in the region.
The Edderton Solar Farm will have a capacity of around 350MW and will sit on approximately 1000 hectares across three ‘islands’ in a designated zone on Malabar’s site, with a provision for a large-scale battery storage facility.
“The solar farm will significantly contribute to the region’s energy mix, providing clean and reliable energy to 130,000 homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dave Johnson, CEO of EDF Renewables Australia.
EDF Renewables and Malabar Resources are currently consulting with the local community as part of the development of a scoping report for the Edderton Solar Farm and BESS, which will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in early 2024 to commence the planning process.
Community drop-in sessions will be held in November 2023 and February 2024, to ensure stakeholders are provided with adequate time to learn more about the project while avoiding the busy holiday period. More information is available at the project website, www.eddertonsolarfarm.com.au.
