Development plans lodged for renewable energy hub

Development plans for a renewable energy hub near the Narrabri CBD are on public exhibition.

The proposed development will include the construction of a covered car park with grid-connected solar panels at the site of the former town hall on the corner of Barwan and Doyle Streets.

A battery energy supply system and electric vehicle charging station will also be among the site’s features.

In plans lodged by Narrabri Shire Council, the car park site would be reconfigured and resealed. The site could also be used for markets and community events.

“The Narrabri Renewable Energy Hub is a key initiative in support of the Narrabri Shire Council Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP) and Renewable Energy Implementation Plan (REIP), both of which are currently under development,” plans state.

“The proposal includes a no larger than 300kW grid connected solar and BESS installation. The renewable energy precinct will be connected to Essential Energy’s network, the distribution line and connectivity pathway, and the ultimate siting of the Community Battery, will be determined by the connection agreement with Essential Energy.

“It should be noted that a separate application process is being undertaken with Essential Energy for this connection.”

“The proposed development aims to erect no more than 1000 solar panels fixed to the roof of car park shade structures with a nameplate rating of no more than 300kW. Other electrical infrastructure is proposed on the site including the community battery (BESS) and no more than four additional EV charging outlets.

“The majority of the infrastructure will be prefabricated offsite and assembled and installed onsite.

“The carport structure/s will provide amenity to carpark users, offering shade for vehicles. It will also provide rainwater run off that may be utilised on site and will offer a structure on which to install the photovoltaic panels.

“The PV installations will potentially generate in excess of 500MWh per annum of electricity that can be utilised by other sites owned by council.

“The under-boring of Barwan Street will be undertaken to facilitate connection and offsetting of operational costs of the adjacent council-owned Country Universities Centre (CUC) and Narrabri Library building. All works would be undertaken with applicable statutory requirements including the Electricity Act 1995 and be to the satisfaction of the relevant provider (Essential Energy).”

The development plans state it is intended to utilise the renewable energy precinct for opportunistic community awareness raising and education on renewable energy operations, opportunities, and emerging trends.

The subject land is centrally located within an educational precinct directly adjoining the Narrabri TAFE campus and being located adjacent to the Country Universities Centre (CUC).

Narrabri Public School is also located directly opposite of the site.

“The future activities off the site are well-positioned to leverage off these existing educational facilities acknowledging that renewable energy-allied workforce skills are an emerging future need,” plans state.

“The proposed development will require the partial removal of some vegetation forming part of the car park landscaping.

“It is intended that compensatory planting will be undertaken as part of a programmed refurbishment of the car parking area in line with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

“No significant or material changes will be undertaken in respect of ingress and egress to the car parking area nor general traffic manoeuvrability. During construction, the car parking area will be temporarily closed.

“This may be undertaken in sections, to minimise inconvenience to the business community.”

Plans have been lodged through the NSW Planning Portal and are on exhibition until the end of the month.