Overview
Stage 2a: Construction of a 160MW Solar PV and 320MW4hr BESS Hybrid Plant within the Central Array commencing soon (2027). EPC Contractor ICN Gateway page for this project will be available soon and linked here.
ACEN Australia Pty Ltd received approval to develop the New England Solar and Battery Project, a State
Significant grid-connected solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project along with
associated infrastructure, approximately 6km east of the township of Uralla, in the Uralla Shire local
government area. New England Solar is within the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) but is connected to the national energy grid through existing infrastructure. New England Solar was approved, subject to conditions, by the NSW Independent Planning Commission on 9 March 2020 (SSD-9255). In March 2026 the project received approval from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for revised staging of the project, as listed below:
New England Solar will be constructed in the following stages:
- Stage 1a: Construction of a 400MW solar farm within the Northern Array (completed in 2023).
- Stage 1b: Operations of 400MW solar (commenced in 2023).
- Stage 2a: Construction of a 160MW Solar PV and 320MW4hr BESS Hybrid Plant within the Central Array and the approved Substation/BESS area
- Stage 2b: Operations of 160MW Solar PV and 320MW/4hr BESS Hybrid Plant
- Stage 3a: Construction of 200MW/2hr BESS within the approved Substation/BESS area (estimated completion H2 2026)
- Stage 3b: Operations of 200MW/2hr BESS (estimated H2 2026)
- Stage 4a: Construction of a 160MW Solar PV and 280MW/4hr BESS Hybrid Plant within the balance of the Northern Array and the approved Substation/BESS area
- Stage 4b: Operations of 160MW Solar PV and 280MW/4hr BESS Hybrid Plant
- Stage 5: Decommissioning
Stage 1a (400MW solar farm) was completed in 2023 and is now in Operations.
Stage 3a (Construction of 200MW/2hr BESS within the approved Substation/BESS area) is estimated to be completed and to commence operations in the second half of 2026.
Stage 2a (Construction of a 160MW Solar PV and 320MW4hr BESS Hybrid Plant) is expected to commence in 2027, with more information regarding supplier opportunities to be published via a dedicated project page by the EPC contractor, once the stage has been activated.
For further details visit www.newenglandsolar.com.au
How to register an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Work packages currently available to submit an EOI for are listed in the 'Work Packages' tab above. Refer to the 'EOI User Guide' below for instructions and assistance to submit an EOI.
- To submit an initial EOI for the work packages, companies must have a Gateway by ICN company profile. Information on how to register your company on Gateway is detailed below.
Gateway by ICN Company Registration
- Click here to register your company profile on Gateway by ICN.
- Support and assistance are available through the document 'Gateway Profile Guide' below.
- Your company summary and company description are used to assess your ability to complete projects when you lodge an EOI - please ensure that your company invests the time and energy required to represent your company in the most effective manner possible.
