Summerville Solar Farm: A Bright Future for Richmond Valley

With an estimated 215,000 solar panels cranking out a generating capacity of 90 megawatts, here’s what the $312 million Summerville Solar Farm will mean for the Richmond Valley.

Summerville Solar Farm, a $312 million state significant investment, located 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, will have agenerating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). Picture: Neil Fenelon

In a landmark development for renewable energy, the $312 million Summerville Solar Farm has received approval, promising to power over 36,000 homes in the Richmond Valley.

Situated 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, the farm boasts a generating capacity of 90 megawatts (MW) and includes a 360-megawatt hour (MWh) battery energy storage system.

This system will capture and release solar energy during peak times and outside daylight hours, potentially saving over 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

The project is expected to create up to 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) construction jobs and 7 FTE operational jobs, providing a significant boost to local employment.

Covering approximately 244 hectares, the site will house around 215,000 solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system, designed to operate 24/7 with an expected operational life of 35 years.

Summerville Solar Farm, a $312 million project with 215,000 solar panels. Picture: Neil Fenelon

At the end of its life, all above-ground infrastructure will be removed, and the land will be rehabilitated.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has rigorously assessed the project, addressing key issues such as biodiversity, fire safety, and traffic management. Strict conditions have been imposed, including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety, to mitigate potential impacts on the environment and local community.

Summerville Solar Farm, a $312 million state significant investment, located 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, will have agenerating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). Picture: Neil Fenelon

Richmond Valley Council is set to receive approximately $3.12 million from the project to fund community projects and infrastructure, ensuring benefits extend beyond energy production.

As part of a combination of renewable energy projects across the state, these initiatives have the combined capacity to generate 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy and store 7.8 GW / 21.5 GWh of energy, potentially saving an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin hailed the farm as a “big win” for the community, saying “renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build”. “They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built.”

Construction is anticipated to take between 15 to 18 months, with a peak construction period of approximately 11 months.

Summerville Solar Farm, located 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, will have agenerating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). Picture: Neil Fenelon

Despite the optimism, local residents have voiced concerns about what they claim is an increased risk of bushfires, flooding, and toxic chemical release.

The site is surrounded by bushfire-prone land and dense native forests, which could exacerbate fire risks due to thermal radiation from the solar farm.

Additionally, the area is flood-prone, potentially affecting local water dynamics and increasing flood risks.

Janet Norton, a local resident, objected to the project, calling it an “ill-conceived, polluting, short-term, costly and environmentally damaging solution to our future energy needs in Australia.”

An Ellangowan resident echoed the concerns, saying the residents of Rappville, Myrtle Creek, Ellangowan, Yorklea, Leeville, West Bungawalbin, Coombell, Wyan and the greater Casino area would be placed in higher risk of bushfire, flooding and toxic chemical release if the project were to be approved.

Conversely, another resident argued the project was “essential” for achieving zero emissions and reducing the risk of catastrophic global warming.

The Summerville Solar Farm requires approval from the Commonwealth Government before construction can begin.

Originally published as Summerville Solar Farm: A Bright Future for Richmond Valley