Community Newsletter - July 2025
Project overview
The Maryvale Solar and Energy Storage Project is a proposed renewable energy facility located within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. The project combines the benefits of solar power and energy storage to create cheap, clean, dispatchable and firmed power for NSW.
The project will have the ability to export 172MW of power into the electricity network thanks to an installed capacity of approximately 240MWp of photovoltaics ‘DC-coupled’ with 409MWh of energy storage.
The project will generate enough energy to power approximately 82,000 homes per annum and prevent close to 615,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
The project’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will generate power at max capacity for close to 2 ½ hours outside of daylight hours, helping reduce peak power prices.
Major construction of the project will begin in July 2025, with commercial operations anticipated in early 2027.
Aerial image of the Maryvale Solar and Energy Storage Project site.
Project update and news
Enabling works continued throughout May and June at the project site and surrounding areas. This included roadworks, such as road widening, resurfacing, site access, and the installation of culverts (see below). We thank all the nearby landowners for their patience and cooperation during temporary road closures and ongoing works.
The project team continued to liaise with the community to highlight opportunities and to connect local and regional businesses with our delivery partner, PCL Construction.
The team is also finalising key management plans, as well as construction designs. The procurement of subcontractors for major works like civil, fencing, and electrical are also underway.
Team spotlight - Cristofer Hilmer, Project Coordinator, PCL Construction.
Cristofer Hilmer, Project Coordinator, PCL Construction.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at PCL Construction’s Solar Division?
I’m a Project Coordinator with PCL Construction's Solar Division, and I’ve been part of the Maryvale Solar and Energy Storage Project since the early stages. My role involves getting the right paperwork in place and working with local authorities so we can start building. It’s exciting to help bring clean energy to life, while supporting local communities.
What are some of the opportunities and challenges in delivering large-scale solar projects?
This is one of Australia’s first DC-coupled solar battery hybrid projects, which is a big step forward for clean energy. Meeting deadlines can be tough, but the social benefits are huge – like creating new jobs and helping the local economy grow.
You recently relocated to regional NSW (Dubbo). What keeps you busy outside of work?
I’ve loved exploring Dubbo - there’s so much to see! The Taronga Western Plains Zoo completely surprised me; it’s incredible! I also enjoy working out and have found a great, friendly community here.
How can people and businesses get involved in the Maryvale Project?
Construction of all major projects bring diverse opportunities. To maximise these opportunities, we’ve partnered with the Industry Capability Network (ICN), which has been fantastic.
I encourage businesses to visit the project’s Gateway ICN Portal, or get in touch with our team at maryvalecommunity@pcl.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Harnessing our natural resources
Large-scale solar projects and battery energy storage systems will play a critical role in ensuring a diverse power system, allowing us to maximise Australia’s solar advantage and ensure reliability to our grid.
AEMO’s 2024 Integrated Systems Plan notes that “coal-fired generation has dominated Australia’s electricity supply for generations. However, these workhorses are now ageing and becoming less and less reliable (and) more expensive” (see below).
Australia has an abundance of sunshine. The Clean Energy Council noted that in 2024 largescale solar represented 16.5% of total clean energy generated in Australia, and 6.6% of total Australian electricity generated. It added that large-scale solar power generation had grown more than 20-fold in the last six years.
To learn more about the role of renewable energy, visit www.maryvalesolarfarm.com.au.
Chart highlighting projected consumer energy use (source: AEMO 2024 Integrated System Plan).
Creating genuine partnerships
Industry briefing session for the Maryvale Solar and Energy Storage Project (June, 2025).
Breaking down barriers for small and medium enterprises, as well as fostering opportunities for First Nations businesses and underrepresented groups, remains at the heart of our energy transition.
In June, Gentari Solar Australia held an industry briefing session in Wellington, NSW. The event provided local and regional businesses the chance to learn more about the Project and connect with key team members.
“The recent growth in the renewable energy industry has highlighted the skill and capacity within the region”, said Patricio Munoz (Stakeholder Engagement Manager, GSA). “We are committed to engaging broadly with businesses, industry groups, and government authorities to highlight opportunities and create genuine partnerships”.
To find out more about the Maryvale Project, visit www.maryvalesolarfarm.com.au.
Working with local and regional businesses
Gentari Solar Australia is committed to working closely with the community to deliver the best outcomes for the region. This includes connecting local and regional businesses with construction and supply works.
Major construction on the Project will commence in July 2025 and will include up to 360 jobs during the peak of construction.
Gentari Solar Australia, alongside our construction partner PCL Construction, are working with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to highlight key project opportunities.
Expressions of interest on 25 diverse work packages are now open. Visit the Project’s ICN page at https://gateway.icn.org.au (search Maryvale).
You can also email the team at maryvalecommunity@pcl.com or call (02) 8405 7963.
Celebrating a regional milestone
Gentari Solar Australia was proud to sponsor this year’s Wellington Show. Celebrating its 149th year, the Wellington Show highlighted the abundance of skill, spirit, and enthusiasm within this vibrant community.
The Show provided a good opportunity for the team to meet with the community, talk all things renewable energy, and have a little bit of fun (and, perhaps a Dagwood dog or two). We look forward to celebrating the Show’s 150th milestone next year!
Working on the Maryvale project
Gentari Solar Australia, in partnership with PCL Construction, are now welcoming registrations of interest from people looking to work on one of Australia’s first DC-coupled solar battery hybrid projects.
Delivery of the project will require a diverse range of skills and experience, including general labourers, machine operators, solar panel installers, electricians, and trade assistants.
If you have previous experience working on large scale solar projects, or simply have a passion for learning, working outdoors, and contributing to a clean energy future - get in touch.
To register your interest, visit the ‘News’ section of the Maryvale Project website at www.maryvalesolarfarm.com.au. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at PCL Construction at maryvalecommunity@pcl.com.
Areial image of Wellington, NSW.
Get in touch
Gentari Solar Australia is committed to engaging respectfully with the local and regional community, including First Nations people, communities, and businesses.
Our team welcomes all feedback received from community members and landholders. Open, ongoing, and accessible communication ensures that projects are developed with consideration for local and regional feedback. Importantly, it also assists in delivering the best outcomes for the region.
To find out more, call us on (02) 8405 7963 or email the team at au.community@gentari.com.