Collie to Host Third Big Battery with Solar Farm Approval ⚡☀️

Aug 29

1 min read

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The coal town of Collie, WA, is set for another clean energy boost after a 200 MW battery and 66 MW solar farm won narrow approval. This will make it the third big battery in the region, signalling Collie’s growing role in Australia’s renewable shift.

Aerial view of a solar farm with rows of panels and large containerized battery units, power lines, and farmland; on‑image text: “Collie to Host Third Big Battery with Solar Farm Approval.”

Project Snapshot 🔋

💰 $500 million project led by Enpowered for developer Hesperia.
⚡ 200 MW BESS (storage size TBC) + 66 MW solar farm.
📍 Located opposite Neoen’s 560 MW Collie BESS and near Synergy’s 500 MW/2,000 MWh battery.

The Approval Process

🗳️ Decision passed 3 votes to 2 by a state panel.
❌ Opposition from local Collie Shire councillors and nearby landowners.
✅ Approval comes with 13 strict conditions, including landscaping, noise monitoring, and fire management plans.

Concerns Raised 🚫

Noise, fire risk, and visual impact on rural views.
Fears over property values, heavy metals, and radiation risks.
Security issues during construction.

Despite these, the panel noted that Collie’s rural land and sunshine make it ideal for solar and battery projects, and risk plans were deemed adequate.

What It Means 🌏

Collie is fast becoming a renewable energy hub as its coal industry winds down. With three large-scale batteries soon operating, the region could be central to Western Australia’s clean energy future.