Frequently Asked Questions

Wind flows over the blades like air flowing over an aeroplane wing. Turbines capture wind energy within the area swept by their blades. The spinning blades drive an electrical generator that produces electricity.

Mudgee has a skilled and diverse workforce. We are committed to using as much local talent and service providers from Mudgee and the region as possible. Some skills may not be available locally, if so, it is anticipated they will be absorbed by the existing accommodation providers and will spend money into the local economy.

The engagement plan for the project includes consultation with interested parties, affected communities and local representative groups through a range of personal meetings, information sessions and other mechanisms.

People can also learn about the project through our project website. Further, people can raise queries, receive feedback, and generally express an interest in being informed website and email. We will ensure information as to the public period is on the project website.

Selecting the location of the wind, solar, battery storage and associated infrastructure is a complex and detailed process and takes account of a wide range of factors including cultural heritage, wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure, road conditions, terrain, use of land and accessibility. We recognise that the siting of the project will result in community impacts (both positive and negative) and that impacts may be experienced differently across stakeholder groups.

We are committed to continue working with the community and key stakeholders to identify potential environmental and social impacts associated with the project and to explore relevant strategies to mitigate any negative impacts and enhance positive impacts.

The project is aligned with the Australian Government’s energy policy, through its key objectives of supporting the National Energy Market to provide reliable electricity, developing energy infrastructure that is efficient, and contributing to net reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through the replacement of existing coal and gas-fired electricity and diesel-powered back-up systems.

The project is aligned with State and Commonwealth emissions reduction policies and key elements of the State Infrastructure Strategy (SIS) including:

• Reaching New South Wales’ renewable energy targets of 50% reduction on 2005 levels by 2030, 70% reduction on 2005 levels by 2035, and Net zero by 2050.

• Aiding in the transition from coal-fired power generation and contributing to the industrial decarbonisation of the region, including supporting the establishment of a clean manufacturing hub.

The project will be subject to detailed design and assessment to provide for safe construction and operation

The infrastructure would be decommissioned at the end of the life of the wind farm. All infrastructure and components above ground will be removed. A decommissioning and rehabilitation management plan would be developed and implemented prior to closure to manage this process.

The project will help decarbonise the grid by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It supports NSW’s Energy Security Target under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 

Construction and operations are expected to generate local employment and stimulate demand for rural services such as fencing, earthworks, and equipment maintenance.

The feasibility report outlines assessments of land parcels, ecological constraints, transport routes, and planning within the REZ. It also includes freehold assessments and stakeholder engagement strategies 

Multiple grid connection options and easement routes have been evaluated. The project team has considered marginal loss factors and initial costings to ensure optimal integration 

The feasibility report includes a risk register and identifies potential fatal flaws such as grid constraints and dwelling setbacks. These are being actively managed by the project team 

You can visit the Energy Estate website or contact the project team directly. For community members and landholders, the NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Landholder Guide is a helpful resource included in outreach communications. 

When solar farms are no longer in use, they undergo a structured decommissioning process that includes dismantling infrastructure, recycling components, and restoring the land. Solar panels, inverters, and batteries are removed, with many materials—like silicon, glass, and metals—recycled or repurposed. Access roads and substations may be retained if agreed upon with landowners. Operators typically prepare a Decommissioning Plan years in advance, outlining how the site will be rehabilitated to its original or agreed-upon condition. In Australia, growing policy efforts—such as proposed bans on solar panel landfill disposal—are shaping more sustainable end-of-life practices, ensuring environmental responsibility and community transparency.

BESS enhances grid stability and flexibility, supports renewable integration, and helps reduce electricity costs. It allows the Hargraves project to deliver clean energy more reliably and efficiently 

The BESS will be co-located with the Hargraves Wind and Solar Farm in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), NSW. Land availability has been confirmed, and sizing is under investigation 

The system will likely use lithium-ion batteries, the most widely deployed technology for grid-scale storage. These are housed in secure containers placed on concrete foundations? 

It supports energy reliability, reduces grid congestion, and enables more renewable energy to be used locally. It also contributes to regional development and job creation 

The BESS sizing is being analysed, and land has been earmarked. The project team is working with CPB Contractors on constructability and engagement structure 

Yes. The broader Hargraves Energy Project includes a Community Engagement Plan.

BESS is fuel-neutral and can store energy from solar, wind, or the grid. It helps balance supply and demand and improves overall grid efficiency 

The BESS will comply with national safety standards and undergo rigorous technical assessments. Energy Estate is committed to safe and responsible deployment.

When battery energy storage systems (BESS) are no longer in use, they undergo a regulated decommissioning process that prioritizes environmental safety and resource recovery. Components such as lithium-ion batteries are removed and either recycled to recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, or repurposed for secondary applications such as backup power or stationary energy storage. In Australia, initiatives like the Circular Economy Policy and companies such as Infinitev support battery reuse and recycling to prevent landfill waste. Operators typically prepare Environmental Management Plans and set aside financial reserves to ensure responsible disposal