The solar grazing initiative at ACEN Australia‘s New England Solar Farm is thriving, with over 6000 merino and cross-breed sheep now rotating on and off the 1200-hectare stage one project site.
The sheep and lambs have been grazing on the pastures around the solar panels since last Christmas, gradually introduced to their new feeding ground.
The grazing cycle involves the sheep spending six weeks on the land before being herded back to sheds for health checks or vaccinations. They then move to other paddocks or return to the solar pastures. It will take a few seasons to fully assess the benefits of running the sheep around the panels, but early signs are positive.
Richard Munsie and Cameron Wood, two New England Solar project landholders, have observed the panels creating a favorable microclimate for the ewes.
“The panels shade the early morning pastures, prolonging the effects of the dew and helping the grass grow,” Richard Munsieid said. “The panels also provide shade for the sheep and protection from frosts.”
According to ACEN, previous small-scale solar grazing trials in Western NSW have reported an increase in carrying capacity and wool quality. While it’s too early to determine the results for the cooler climate of the Uralla region, the early signs point to a bright future ahead, with the possibility of a unique branding opportunity for Australia’s finest solar grazing fleece.
The 720 megawatts (MW) New England Solar project, developed by ACEN Australia across 2000 hectares of leased grazing land, will provide enough clean renewable power for around 300,000 homes.
The first 400MW (520MW DC) stage, one of the largest operating solar PV generators in Australia, was completed last year, with production reaching its 400MW capacity in December 2023.
Stage two includes a 320MW solar development and a 200MW two-hour battery storage system, capable of powering 175,000 homes. Work on stage two is expected to begin in late 2024.
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