In October 2025 Ark Energy received planning approval for the project from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The approval is for a solar farm with a generation capacity of up to 500 MW (435 MWac) and a long-duration Lithium-iron phosphate BESS with a power capacity of up to 475 MW. The assessment documentation is available from the NSW Government's Major Projects portal.

In December 2025 the proposal was also approved by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The decision notice is available from the EPBC Act Public Portal.

In September 2025 Ark Energy signed an early works agreement for the project with Elecnor Australia. This work is expected to be completed by Q2 2026, ahead of execution of the full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract.

Interested local suppliers and contractors are invited to submit credentials through the 'Supplier' form and these details will be passed on to the EPC contractor.

The project is due to be built in stages, with construction of the first stage consisting of a 200 MWac solar farm and 275 MW / 2,200 MWh BESS to commence in 2026.

Thank you to everyone who engaged with the project team in 2025. Questions and feedback are welcome at any time and can be sent via email or the project 'Feedback' form.

Download the Richmond Valley Solar Farm Newsletter - December 2025