Swedish energy company OX2 announced on Wednesday that it has received Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) approval to build a 135-megawatt (MW) solar farm at a decommissioned coal mine in Australia.
The Muswellbrook solar and storage project site is adjacent to the Muswellbrook Coal Mine in New South Wales, which ceased operations in 2022.
The project aims to redevelop the mining site into a hub for industrial and energy innovation. It is developed together with Idemitsu, operator of the former coal mine.
Mussellbrook project is the second OX2 project to receive EPBC approval—Australia's central piece of environmental legislation.
The 90 MW Summerville solar and storage project, which is also located in New South Wales, was approved in July.
OX2's Australian portfolio comprises 3.7 GW of solar, wind, and energy storage projects that are in various stages of development and construction. The company also manages renewable energy assets in the country, with 390 MW currently under management.
Catherine Way, director of development at OX2 Australia, said: "This is a leading example of the transition of the Upper Hunter Valley from coal mining to innovative post-mining land uses. The Muswellbrook solar project is an early mover in the re-purposing of a coal mine into an energy generation site and serves as an important test case for the broader region."
By Busra Ozaltan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr