Overview
The Culcairn Solar Farm is a hybrid renewable energy project comprising a 440 MWp solar farm and a 226 MW / 904MWh big battery, near the town of Culcairn, New South Wales.
The solar farm became operational in March 2026, while construction of the battery is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
Both assets will share the same point of connection into the transmission network, meaning that the battery will be able to store energy directly from the solar farm before supplying it into the electricity grid. Together, this project is contributing to NSW’s plan to modernise the electricity network with clean energy.
Apply for a grant now
Now that our solar farm is in operations, we are ready to launch our community benefit-sharing program.
We invite the community to apply for funding from our two grant programs: the Community Benefit Fund and the First Nations Fund!
Location
The Culcairn Solar Farm is in the South East Riverina Region of New South Wales, approximately 45km north of Albury and 70km south of Wagga Wagga.
Click map to enlarge
Benefits
For your community
Up to $150,000 per year
funding for local community initiatives and projects
Project Lifecycle
1
Site Selection
We undertake research & early negotiations with landowners for options to lease or purchase sites that show potential for hosting renewable energy assets.
2
Feasibility
We create preliminary designs & initiate feasibility studies to identify site constraints. We commence early engagement with Traditional Owners, neighbours, local council and the community. We hold community information sessions locally.
3
Planning & Approvals
Extensive studies & surveys are undertaken to create detailed project design before submitting a Development Application (DA) to the NSW Government. Ongoing community and governmental consultations help refine project plans. We initiate grid connection enquiries.
4
Pre-Construction
If the DA is approved, we conduct a procurement process to appoint a construction contractor. Grid connection agreements & energy contracts get finalised, and our focus shifts to securing financing from lenders. A networking session is held for local jobseekers, suppliers & businesses to discuss upcoming opportunities.
5
Construction
The site mobilises, local suppliers & jobseekers are appointed, and civil, mechanical & electrical works commence. The project becomes a reality as the construction team builds and commissions the asset.
- We Are Here
6
Operations
We maintain the asset for at least 25 years to ensure strong energy generation & revenue optimisation. Our community benefit-sharing program begins contributing to local initiatives.
- We Are Here
7
Decommissioning or Site Renewal
We decide on whether to continue operations or decommission the site. New construction works or site rehabilitation is undertaken.
News
What we loved about Neoen was their Community Benefit-Sharing Program
and how they worked with host landholders.
Karen and Jonathan Schoff, Host landowners
Culcairn Solar Farm, NSW
Get Involved
Find out some more details
Let us know what you think.
With a balanced portfolio of wind, solar and big battery projects, we are Australia’s largest 100% renewables company.
We own and operate many of our projects for the long-term and are committed to sharing the benefits with surrounding communities as a responsible neighbour. Our dedication to the community and environment has made us a ‘developer of choice’ and a pioneer in the industry.
Since 2012, we have contributed over 4.5 GW of renewable energy & storage assets and invested over $7 billion towards Australia’s energy transition.