The proposed Pallamana Solar Farm and Energy Storage Facility is a utility-scale renewable energy project planned for Pallamana, approximately 60 kilometres south-east of Adelaide near Murray Bridge. 

The proposal comprises a 176 MW solar farm incorporating approximately 690,000 photovoltaic panels, together with a 66 MW battery energy storage system. Once operational, the project is expected to generate approximately 420,000 MWh of renewable electricity each year, supplying the equivalent annual electricity needs of around 82,000 homes while providing battery storage to improve the reliability and flexibility of the electricity network. 

MasterPlan was engaged to manage the planning approvals process, preparing the Crown Sponsorship submission, development application documentation and planning assessment report. Prior to lodgement, MasterPlan worked closely with RES Australia to undertake community consultation and maintain ongoing engagement with the Rural City of Murray Bridge throughout the project’s development. 

Acting as project manager for the planning approvals process, MasterPlan coordinated a multidisciplinary team of technical specialists to prepare a comprehensive application addressing the project’s environmental, technical and land use considerations. A key issue identified during consultation was the potential interface between the proposed solar farm and the nearby Pallamana Airfield. Working collaboratively with aviation specialists and the project team, the layout of the solar arrays was refined to respond to these concerns and support a robust planning outcome. 

The project also required careful consideration of a range of planning and interface issues in the absence of planning policy specifically addressing large-scale solar energy developments. Through a well-supported planning assessment and coordinated project management, MasterPlan assisted in securing Ministerial support for this significant renewable energy proposal. 

Although the project has not yet been constructed, it demonstrates MasterPlan’s experience in delivering planning approvals for major renewable energy infrastructure and managing the complex technical, community and stakeholder issues associated with utility-scale energy developments.