The area around Richmond Valley's Myrtle Creek has excellent potential for solar energy generation with a strong solar resource and existing transmission infrastructure.

The site of the proposed Richmond Valley Solar Farm is approximately 7 km east of Rappville and currently used for cattle grazing.

It is an ideal location for a solar farm that could generate up to 500 megawatts.

Ark Energy is also assessing the inclusion of a long-duration battery energy storage system (BESS) to support the electricity needs of NSW consumers and the state's energy network. The BESS will use LFP (Lithium-iron phosphate) technology and is capable of providing a power capacity of 275 megawatts and an energy storage capacity of up to 2,200 megawatt hours over 8 hours.

Ark Energy initiated the assessment process for the project in July 2022 by submitting a Scoping Report to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

Based on the Scoping Report, DPE issued Planning Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) in September 2022. The SEARs outline the requirements for the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Ark Energy is now progressing the various assessment studies and technical reports required for Richmond Valley Solar Farm’s EIS.

We are keen to engage with interested local community members for input to help shape the project and maximise community benefits. If you would like to share your views or have questions for the project team please send your comments via the feedback form.

Project updates are issued via both email and post. To receive project updates via email please register for newsletters here. If you would prefer to receive updates by post please send your address and a request to be added to the mailing list to info@richmondvalleysolar.com.au.