04 Feb Energy Projects
The renewable energy generation and storage sector is transforming rapidly – driven by a rapidly ageing fleet of coal fired power stations, the need to deliver affordable energy to customers, and mandatory emissions reduction targets. We provide approvals strategy, site selection, impact assessment and stakeholder engagement across wind, solar, battery and transmission projects. Our expertise ensures environmental, technical and regulatory issues are integrated early, securing efficient, defensible approvals that keep projects moving.
Project Highlights
Maizewood Pty Ltd – Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System
EME Advisory delivered end-to-end planning support for one of NSW’s largest stand-alone battery projects. Following preparation of the State Significant Development Scoping Report and securing the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), EME led the Environmental Impact Statement for the 400 MW / 800 MWh Upper Hunter BESS near Aberdeen within the Hunter–Central Coast REZ. The approvals program brought together specialists across biodiversity, heritage, noise, water, hazards, bushfire, traffic, visual, land and social impact to deliver a robust, streamlined assessment under both NSW and Commonwealth frameworks. EME’s adaptive, quality-driven approach kept the project on track for public exhibition and determination, supporting North Harbour Clean Energy’s vision for large-scale, grid-connected battery infrastructure in regional NSW.
EnergyCo NSW – Central West Orana Transmission Project
EME Advisory, working as part of an integrated project team, led the planning and environmental work stream for a new high voltage transmission line to connect renewable energy projects to the grid. This involved regular engagement with government and communities and coordination of complex environmental assessments over a 250 km study corridor leading to Critical State Significant Infrastructure approval.
EnergyCo NSW – Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Enabling Infrastructure
EME Advisory inputted to the development on an enabling infrastructure strategy with the aim of de-risking the delivery of renewable energy projects. This involved data collection and analysis to assess the demand on existing infrastructure from renewable energy projects, working with agencies to assess the capacity of infrastructure to meet demand, and identifying initiatives to address capacity constraints. EME also provided technical support to the feasibility and business case assessment process.
EnergyCo NSW – New England Transmission Project
EME supported the development of a revised transmission corridor for the New England REZ Transmission Project by providing advice on regulatory and environmental constraints that may impact the feasibility of route options.
EnergyCo NSW – Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone Planning Approval Strategy
EME Advisory developed a planning approval strategy to identify and assess options for the integration of State significant development applications for renewable energy projects with the State significant infrastructure application for the transmission project. The development of the strategy involved engagement with developers, Department of Planning and EnergyCo to refine options.
North Harbour Clean Energy – Wallabadah Battery Energy Storage System
EME Advisory prepared the Scoping Report for a 400 MW / 800 MWh BESS in the Tamworth region, successfully securing SEARs and establishing a clear regulatory pathway for assessment. The project supports grid reliability and firming capacity within the New England REZ, with early engagement coordinated across Council, regulators and the local community to build awareness and manage cumulative impacts.
Iberdrola Australia – Wind Farm Feasibility
EME Advisory led spatial constraints and feasibility assessments for proposed wind energy developments in western NSW. Using advanced GIS and environmental data integration, the study identified optimal turbine corridors and grid connection opportunities, balancing biodiversity, heritage and amenity considerations to inform investment confidence and early-stage design.