Mainstream Renewable Power, Someva Renewables awarded permit for 500MW wind farm in New South Wales

Mainstream Renewable Power, a leading global renewable energy company, in partnership with Someva Renewables, an Australia-based renewable energy developer, has secured a permit from the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales to investigate the potential for a 500 MW wind farm at Sunny Corner. This project marks a significant step in New South Wales’ renewable energy expansion, aiming to power approximately 300,000 homes while reducing carbon emissions by over one million tonnes annually.

Securing the Permit After Competitive Tender

The permit acquisition follows a rigorous 15-month competitive tender and selection process, positioning the Sunny Corner project as one of the first wind farms within a New South Wales State Plantation Forest. The project, a 51/49 joint venture between Mainstream and Someva, underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainable energy solutions in the region.

Project Details and Community Engagement

Located approximately 200 kilometres from Sydney’s Central Business District, within the Sunny Corner State Forest, the proposed site benefits from its proximity to existing infrastructure such as power lines and road networks. The investigative phases will include the installation of a meteorological mast (met mast) to assess wind resources, alongside extensive consultations with local communities, First Nations people, forest users, councils, and businesses.

Mary Quaney, Group CEO of Mainstream, praised the Forestry Corporation’s forward-thinking approach: “We applaud the vision of the Forestry Corporation in seeking to diversify their land use to support the renewable energy transition.” She highlighted the pivotal role the Sunny Corner Wind Farm could play in supporting New South Wales’ transition to clean energy.

Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva, emphasized the project’s potential benefits for regional prosperity and the importance of integrating community feedback into the development process: “This is a milestone project for New South Wales and an example of how innovative renewable energy developments can help strengthen regional prosperity.”

Ensuring Environmental and Community Harmony

Throughout its development, the Sunny Corner Wind Farm is designed to coexist with ongoing forestry operations and recreational activities within the State Forest, ensuring that the area remains accessible for multiple uses.

Anshul Chaudhary, CEO of the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, expressed satisfaction with the project’s initiation: “After a highly competitive tender process, this will be one of four wind farms to be investigated in a New South Wales State softwood plantation.”

The project’s advancement comes after the 2021 amendments to the Forestry Act 2012, which enabled State Forests to host renewable energy projects, highlighting a legislative shift towards supporting sustainable land use.