Swedish renewable energy developer OX2 has received environmental approval under Australia’s federal EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) legislation to begin construction of a 135-megawatt (MW) solar and storage project in Muswellbrook, New South Wales. The site, adjacent to the former Muswellbrook coal mine closed in 2022, is mainly owned by Idemitsu Australia, the project’s co-developer.
A repurposed industrial site
The Muswellbrook project is part of a broader plan to redevelop the mining site into a hub for industrial and energy innovation. OX2 and Idemitsu Australia already hold local development approval, now complemented by federal clearance. This is the company’s second project to receive EPBC approval, after the 90 MW Summerville site, also located in New South Wales and approved in July.
A growing portfolio in the Australian market
OX2 is currently developing an Australian portfolio of 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of solar, wind and storage projects. At the same time, the company provides asset management services for 390 MW of renewable capacity in operation in the country. The Muswellbrook project approval comes amid a diversification of post-mining land uses in the Hunter Valley region.
A local deployment strategy
OX2 relies on a local team to advance its projects in Australia. “These approvals reflect the strength of our team and the growing momentum around renewable energy in the country,” said Stephen Symons, Country Manager of OX2 Australia. According to the company, the Muswellbrook site serves as a pilot project for converting disused industrial land into energy infrastructure.
