New South Wales (NSW) government recently approved Pottinger Energy Park. This flagship renewable wind energy project will be situated in Australia’s South West Renewable Energy Zone (SW REZ). Australian renewable electricity specialists Someva Renewables and AGL Energy have now combined on this very ambitious project. Combined, they are expected to produce more than 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, creating one of the largest renewable energy generating projects in the Midwest.
Once complete the Pottinger Energy Park will have a total of 247 full-size wind turbines. During the first phase of construction, the project will deploy up to 140 of these turbines. The project will focus around the use of a powerful supporting battery system. It will be paired with a 500 megawatt (MW) and 2,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) capacity solar farm. The first phase will include the installation of a massive 400 MW/1,600 MWh battery system.
Project Specifications and Impact
Additionally, the Pottinger Energy Park will connect directly to the proposed Project EnergyConnect transmission intertie. Connecting this infrastructure will significantly accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid. Upon completion, it is expected to supply enough energy to meet the needs of approximately 830,000 average NSW households annually.
The NSW government’s Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approved the development plans. This great milestone brings the project much closer to realizing the project. In April 2025, EnergyCo granted the Park an 831 MW access right. This important milestone reinforced the park’s growing leadership role in the state and in the Southeast’s evolving energy landscape.
“Pottinger is one of the largest renewable energy projects in AGL’s development pipeline and planning approval is a crucial milestone as we progress our plans with our development partner, Someva, ahead of a potential final investment decision in 2026.” – Travis Hughes
Community Benefits Program
Providing a model for other large-scale renewable energy developments, in addition to its commitment to renewable energy generation, Pottinger Energy Park developed an extensive community benefits program. This new local government-focused program will deliver at least A$26 million, or roughly $16.7 million, directly to local communities. It wants to accomplish all of this in the next 30 years. The program will generate indirect benefits through host and neighbor payments and stimulate broader economic development via job creation and business opportunities.
Jamie Chivers, managing director of Someva Renewables, emphasized the project’s significance for local communities:
“Pottinger Energy Park is a transformational project that will not only play an important role in NSW’s energy transition, but also provide a major boost to communities throughout the Riverina.” – Jamie Chivers
Future Steps
Construction for the Pottinger Energy Park is expected to begin in late 2026, pending a final investment decision. The project represents a crucial step towards sustainable energy solutions in NSW, addressing both environmental concerns and local economic needs.
The state should be commended for pushing smart energy transition initiatives forward. Pottinger Energy Park serves as an example of what’s possible, poised to lead the way in renewable energy generation and community revitalization.
