6.8 MWp Solar
10.5 MWh BESS
13.2 GWh
City of Orange
Essential Energy
The largest community co-owned Orange Community Renewable Energy Park is a hybrid project jointly owned by EDP Renewables Australia and OCREP Central West New South Wales Co-operative. It is a 6.8 MWp solar PV system that is co-located with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of 10.5MWh capacity.
The site is 7km northwest of the City of Orange, and 260km west of Sydney.
About The Project
In 2020, ITP Development (now known as EDP Renewables Australia or EDPR Australia) was successful among 6 other participants in being awarded funding from the NSW Government’s Regional Community Energy Fund (RCEF). This program was designed to assist local communities with participating in innovative and dispatchable renewable energy.
EDPR Australia is now developing the 6.8 MWp clean energy park with 10.5 MWh BESS in Orange that comes with an integrated community ownership. The project then took upon the name Orange Community Renewables Energy Park (OCREP).
OCREP comprises 11,676 solar panels, 4 containers of BESS, connections between BESS and PV inverter, an on-site substation, driveway, and a 11 kV power line and switching station connecting the project to Essential Energy’s power line.
Community Involvement
EDPR Australia partnered with Energy Democracy Pty Ltd to establish the OCREP Central West New South Wales Co-operative (Co-op) to lead and provide management services towards the community group’s activities and fundraising. The Co-op’s Board is comprised of local volunteer members who represent and administer community engagement activities. It currently has 125 members and has raised some funds along with the NSW Government continuing to provide background support.
The Co-op will receive dividends throughout the 35-year project timeline, acting as a minority shareholder while EDPR remains the majority owner.
The partnership is now looking at renaming the project to better represent local heritage. The wider Orange community will be invited to cast their votes on their preferred name on this site soon.
Approvals
All necessary approvals have been obtained which includes the development permit and grid connection agreement. An experienced EPC has been engaged to take care of construction works which includes design, engineering and commissioning.
Other Highlights:
- Development Application (DA) permit: Granted and issued in December 2021. Current DA is final and valid.
- Grid connection permit: Connection Agreement, Offer to Connect and Offer to Proceed has been executed with Essential Energy in July 2023.
- Land Lease Agreement: Land is fully secured. Option was exercised and the Lease was executed on October 2021 for 35 years.
Construction has started since November 2024, with the expected commercial operation in July 2025.
Project Benefits & Employment Opportunities
The benefits for local farming communities include a diversified, substantial and reliable income for the landowners hosting the project during the lifetime of the clean energy park, typically 35 years. These funds can serve to protect farming families from loss of income during poor harvests or droughts.
The project will also generate employment in the local area which contributes to gross regional domestic product. During construction, approximately 50 personnel will be on-site working from 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, there is a flow-on effect to the wider community. Local retailers and service providers benefit from increased economic activity in the locality of a clean energy park. Research by the Clean Energy Council suggests that for every direct construction and maintenance job created, two additional indirect jobs are created.
If you are looking to register your interest in getting involved with the project, wish to discuss the project further, or want to share your feedback or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
If you would like to stay up-to-date on the project, please reach out and we will add you to the updated distribution list.
Email: australia@edp.com