The New South Wales (NSW) Independent Planning Commission has granted planning approval for Potentia Energy’s 500MW Tallawang solar-plus-storage project in Australia.
The Tallawang project, located 8km north-west of Gulgong in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), will feature a 500MW solar PV power plant paired with a 500MW/1000MWh (2-hour duration) battery energy storage system (BESS) across a 1,300-hectare site.
The Tallawang project secured access rights in May 2025 as part of the Central-West Orana REZ, which targets 4.5GW of renewable energy power capacity in its first stage.
The REZ spans 20,000 square kilometres in Dubbo, Dunedoo, and Mudgee and will play a critical role in replacing coal-fired power plants that will be decommissioned over the next decade.
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As well as this, the project’s location within the Central-West Orana REZ provides access to dedicated transmission infrastructure designed to handle large volumes of renewable energy.
Potentia Energy CEO Werther Esposito emphasised the project’s role in Australia’s energy transformation, whilst noting the importance of Australia’s REZs in achieving its climate goals.
“Renewable Energy Zones are set to be the beating heart of Australia’s transition to clean energy, and we’re delighted to be a part of that,” Esposito said following the planning approval.
The hybrid configuration combines solar generation with large-scale energy storage, addressing grid stability challenges while maximising renewable energy output.
In addition, the 1,000MWh storage capacity will provide critical grid services, including frequency regulation and voltage support, essential for integrating variable renewable energy sources into the electricity network.
Potentia Energy’s expanding renewables portfolio
The AU$1.3 billion (US$860 million) development will create approximately 380 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, with a peak workforce reaching 420 onsite workers. The project will maintain 10 full-time positions during its operational phase.
Potentia Energy has committed to proactive community engagement and benefit-sharing initiatives throughout the project’s development and operation.
“Building a project like this means we are committed to being a part of this region for the long-term,” Esposito noted, highlighting the company’s focus on maximising benefits for local communities through employment opportunities, investment, and shared economic opportunities.
The Tallawang approval strengthens Potentia Energy’s position in Australia’s renewable energy market. The company, a joint venture between Enel Green Power and INPEX, currently operates over 800MW of renewable energy assets across Australia.
Earlier this year, Potentia Energy bagged a key milestone when it secured the rights to a 1.2GW renewable energy portfolio in Australia.
The project underwent comprehensive assessment by the NSW Independent Planning Commission, addressing technical, environmental and community considerations. The approval process included evaluation of the project’s environmental impact, grid integration requirements, and community consultation outcomes.
