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Project

Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub

The proposed Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub would comprise the construction, operation and decommissioning of a 280-megawatt solar farm, a 150-megawatt / 300-megawatt hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 316-megawatt wind farm and associated infrastructure in Bendemeer, New South Wales. The project is being developed by Athena Energy.

Construction of the solar farm would include the development of:

  • a 257 megawatt solar farm
  • a 150-megawatt / 300-megawatt hour BESS
  • access roads
  • underground and above ground cables 
  • on-site substation, and 
  • associated operational facilities.

Approvals for the wind farm is to be progressed separately.

The site is situated within the NSW New England Renewable Energy Zone. 

Key Dates

Jan 2022 Project Announcement

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Athena Energy
Estimated Total Cost
(2024)
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Other |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Project website
Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub
Government resources
EPBC Portal
Project pages
NSW Planning Portal
Major Contract

Bendemeer Solar Farm and Battery

PROJECT STATUS
Detailed Planning
Bendemeer Solar Farm and Battery

The Bendemeer Solar Farm and Battery will be located in Bendemeer, in the New England region of New South Wales, and has a capacity of 257 megawatts with a 150-megawatt / 300-megawatt hour BESS. 

The project is being developed by Athena Energy Australia. 

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Athena Energy Australia

PROJECT HISTORY

Jan 2022 A scoping report and request for the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) was released. The scoping report identified that the project may include a future wind farm subject to investigation.
Mar 2022 The NSW Department of Planning and Environment Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements were issued for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement of the project.
Jul 2023 Athena Energy released their Environmental Impact Statement. In it the scope of the solar farm had increased from 210 megawatts to 280 megawatts, and the BESS from 200 megawatts to 300 megawatts. The proponents also indicated that they are proposing a 58 turbine wind farm, which will be developed through a separate approval process.
Apr 2025 The Response to Submissions for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the Bendemeer Solar Farm was submitted.
Oct 2025 The project was awarded a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement as part of the Capacity Investment Scheme Tender Round Four.
Estimated Total Cost
(2024)
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Government resources
NSW Planning Portal
CIV Estimate
EPBC Portal
Media releases
2025/10/09 - CIS Tender 4
Other
Environmental Impact Statement
Project pages
Bendemeer Solar Project
Major Contract

Bendemeer Wind Farm

PROJECT STATUS
Prospective
Bendemeer Wind Farm

The Bendemeer Wind Farm forms part of the Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub, and will be located in Bendemeer, in the New England region of New South Wales.

The project scope includes:

  • 316 megawatt wind farm 
  • 51 turbines
  • ancillary infrastructure
  • grid connection to the transmission network. 

The project is being developed by Athena Energy Australia. 

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Athena Energy Australia

PROJECT HISTORY

Nov 2024 The Scoping Report was released for the project.
Dec 2024 The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure issued the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements to the project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2025)
Sector
Energy
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New South Wales |
Resources
Government resources
NSW Planning Portal
Project pages
Bendemeer Wind Project
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