Maffra solar farm is a 4.95MW DC Solar Power Farm under development in Maffra Victoria. Developed by BNRG Leeson as part of its mission to transition the Australian energy system to solely renewable energy and reduce the current and future generations carbon footprint, it will generate approximately 11,000MWh of clean electricity in the first year.
Community >FAQ > Contact Us4.95MW
DC Solar Farm
11,000 MWh
Approximate energy generated in the first year
1,595
Approximately equivalent household supplied with solar energy
25-50
People employed during peak construction
14
Approximate ongoing employment post-construction for operation, plus use of local contractors
$14m
Approximate project value
The site itself comprises roughly 12ha wedged between an old causeway and the channel, and the remainder of the property would be unencumbered and therefore remain open to agriculture use persisting as it has. Surveys of the site identified limitations in terms of fertility, drainage, pasture composition, soil structure and acidity at surface and subsoil levels. It is well screened, sits outside of the irrigation district, on land that is not identified as strategically important agricultural land. The site meets all criteria required by the Victorian solar farm guidelines, available on the web here Solar energy facilities (planning.vic.gov.au). The project team has also connected with, and provided information to other information channels such as the RAP, Southern Rural Water, numerous arms of Council, DoT and DEECA who have all aligned with the proposal. The design team met with the CFA Specialist Risk and Fire Safety Unit who reviewed the proposed project plan. With their feedback and within the guidelines for renewable energy facilities, a number of site level design changes were implemented to mitigate any fire risks at the proposed location.
We also take a grid led approach when considering area suitability, and we have undertaken extensive modelling of the network to understand what technical challenges it faces, pursuing a design that seeks to provide solutions.
Final timing depends on approvals from Council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DECCA), final design, and availability of materials for construction. Below is what we are working towards:
2024
Planning Permit
State Government has granted a Planning Permit for the project. Numerous studies have been undertaken to support this, including an ecological, agricultural, noise, visual impact, and traffic assessment.
See Tribunal report here: Paterson v Minister for Planning [2024] VCAT 761 (19 August 2024) (austlii.edu.au)
2025
Operational
Maffra solar farm will be operational late 2025
Mid 2025
Construction
The construction of the solar farm begins Mid 2025
This project will bring renewable energy to the region, enhance the local network, create jobs and stimulate the economy. Furthermore, with the generation and battery, it will stabilise grid stability issues that currently exist in the Bairnsdale and East Gippsland Region. In terms of shared benefits, the project will generate employment, apprenticeships, internships, jobs for minority groups, and procurement opportunities.
We place a strong emphasis on minimizing any adverse impacts on the surrounding environment to meet our sustainable development goals. A thorough agricultural assessment has been conducted to understand the landscape and ensure the solar farm is designed in harmony with the local ecosystem.
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To discuss this project further, please contact our team or fill out following form, and we'll be in touch with you shortly.
1800 244 863