The Solar Guideline is not legally binding, but will
guide the preparation of the Secretary's environmental
assessment requirements.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has released a
Large-Scale Solar Energy Guideline for public consultation.
Consultation is open until 16 February 2018.
The Solar Guideline builds on the Department's Wind Energy
Guideline, which was finalised in 2016, and demonstrates further
commitment by the Government to the NSW Renewable Energy Action
Plan, NSW Climate Change Policy Framework and the
"aspirational" long-term objective of achieving net zero
emissions by 2050.
In our view, the Solar Guideline does not represent a shift in
policy, but a statement of the Department's approach to
assessing large-scale solar energy development. The outcomes should
be greater clarity for all stakeholders in the assessment and
approval process, a more rapid assessment time and a greater
success rate for solar projects.
