Renewable energy projects in NSW undergo a rigorous planning and approvals process to avoid or minimise any potential impacts during construction, operation and decommissioning to the greatest extent possible.
The proposed Morven Solar Farm will be assessed under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) as a State Significant Development (SSD) and must follow a comprehensive assessment process.
In accordance with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) requirements, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared for the Project.
The purpose of an EIS is to assess the potential environmental, economic and social impacts of the Project so that the government, authorities and the community can make an informed decision on the Project.
Planning and development
Step 1 Scoping Report
As part of the EIS, a Scoping Report was prepared and submitted to DPHI in late 2024. The purpose of the Scoping Report is to detail project elements initially assessed and identify where further assessment is required.
A copy of the Scoping Report can be downloaded from the NSW Planning Portal.
Step 2 SEARs
Following the submission of the Scoping Report, DPHI issued the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the Project.
The SEARs outline the specific economic, environmental and social matters that need to be addressed in the EIS, and extends on the initial assessments that were undertaken as part of the scoping phase. As identified by the SEARs, the technical assessments that will be carried out to inform the EIS include:
- Biodiversity
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
- Historical Heritage
- Land use (agriculture)
- Landscape and visual
- Glint and glare
- Noise
- Transport
- Water
- Hazards, such as bushfire and health
- Social
- Economic
- Waste
The preparation of the assessments for the EIS must also follow other planning guidelines such as the NSW Government Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
All State Significant Developments are subject to an SIA as part of the preparation of the EIS. An SIA aims to identify, predict and evaluate the potential social impacts of a Project (positive, negative and cumulative) and propose how the Project would address these likely impacts.
The preparation of an SIA must follow the NSW Government Social Impact Assessment Guideline and any requirements set out in the SEARs. It must also consider the potential impacts of other technical studies, such as visual and noise, by understanding how people might experience these environmental changes and how these changes can be managed or mitigated. A SIA is an independent assessment, and for the proposed Morven Solar Farm, is being carried out by Mott MacDonald.
Feedback from the community is a critical component of the SIA. You can provide feedback at any time by completing the Project survey. www.surveymonkey.com/r/elginenergy
Step 3 Formal exhibition and public consultation of the EIS and Submissions Report
In early 2026 the EIS will go on public display. During this time, the community and other stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on the Project by way of a formal submission. Submissions are important to the assessment process as they help the DPHI to better understand the views of local communities and provide local knowledge that assists in the assessment process.
At the conclusion of the public display period, Elgin will provide responses to each submission received through a Submissions Report.
Step 4 Government review and determination
Once the public display period is complete and the Submissions Report is submitted. The Government will make their final review and determination of the Project. DPHI will consider all of the feedback from the community prior to making a determination.
Step 5 Pre-construction planning and design refinement
While the Project is undergoing government review, the Project team would continue to refine the Project design and undertake pre-construction planning activities, as well as ongoing consultation with the host landowner and near neighbours.
Step 6 Construction
If the Project is approved, construction would commence in line with any approval conditions and following further engagement with near neighbours and the host landowner.
Construction would take around 18-24 months to complete.
Step 7 Energisation
Following completion of construction, the Project is anticipated to be operational in 2028. The Morven Solar Farm would have an operational life of around 50 years from initial energisation.
Once the project reaches the end of its operational life, the roject would be decommissioned, and all infrastructure would be removed to enable the site to return to its existing land capability. Equipment dismantled and removed from the site would either be repurposed or recycled where possible.
