Stubbo Solar farm, developed by ACEN Australia, has officially reached full commercial operation, becoming the first photovoltaic generator backed by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) to achieve this milestone. This marks a significant advancement for the Australian solar sector and positions the project as a key player in the state’s energy strategy.
A transitional project ahead of REZ implementation
Built prior to the formal establishment of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the solar farm has established itself as one of the largest photovoltaic projects ever undertaken in Australia. The total investment amounts to AUD760mn ($488mn) for a capacity of 520 MW direct current (400 MW alternating current).
The infrastructure is supported by a strong public-private partnership, highlighted by the attendance of institutional and industry figures at the inauguration ceremony, including Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar Consing and New South Wales Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe.
Future storage capacity and grid integration
The site has been designed to accommodate a future Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of 200 MW / 800 MWh. This system is intended to ensure grid stability and support infrastructure reliability amid renewable variability.
Grid connection to the state electricity network was handled by Lumea, the commercial arm of Transgrid specialised in renewable energy integration. PCL Construction was appointed as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.
Regional economic impact and local partnerships
During construction, ACEN Australia injected nearly AUD85mn ($54.6mn) into the local economy, including AUD60mn in contracts awarded to businesses in the Mid-Western Regional Council and surrounding communities.
The project also generated AUD3.2mn in value for First Nations businesses, and AUD400,000 was allocated to voluntary social initiatives focused on education, skills development, and community health.
Industrial certification and circularity
Stubbo Solar is now certified as the first large-scale solar farm compliant with the circularity standards of the Circular PV Alliance. This ensures that its 930,000 solar panels will be recycled or reused at the end of their lifecycle, setting a new benchmark in solar asset management.
Located about 10 km north of Gulgong in central-west New South Wales, the site can produce enough electricity to power approximately 185,000 Australian households.
