South West solar farm gains federal government approval

A solar farm proposed alongside the Forrest Highway south of Perth has been waived through by federal regulators.

Bunbury-based Tonic Group’s Binningup Solar Farm on Monday was determined by the federal environment department to not require assessment.

The project comprises 75 megawatts of solar power generation, 55MW of battery storage, and an electric vehicle charging station in the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area, about 25 kilometres north of Bunbury.

With the EPBC’s blessing state approval is generally a formality. 

Tonic now requires Western Power’s sign off and Foreign Investment Review Board approval of its investors. Clearing work will be able to begin prior to FIRB’s approval.

A preliminary deal has been struck with Green Steel of WA to supply power to that company’s proposed green steel mill in Collie. 

Admission to the capacity credits scheme by the Australian Energy Market Operator has also been approved to provided offtake certainty.

Tonic hopes to begin construction this year and have the plant running in early 2028.

A future expansion would see an additional 45MW of battery storage built on site.