A large-scale battery near Armidale with the capacity to supply 60,000 homes during peak times has been given the green light for construction.

It’s the latest in the State’s growing network of Battery Energy Storage Systems, with the $209 million Armidale BESS capable of storing excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak periods.

The project will create 100 construction jobs and provide Armidale Regional Council with more than $2.5 million to invest in local community projects.

Under the approval conditions, developer Valent Energy Developments will provide the council a lump sum of $1.275 million through a Voluntary Planning Agreement as well a further $1.275 million over the life of the project.

Renewable energy developer VPAs with regional councils typically fund community halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.

In addition, Valent has committed to annual contributions totalling $400,000 for the upkeep and enhancement of the New England Rail Trail over 20 years.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure considers the project, which will connect to a nearby existing substation, has been designed to avoid and minimise environmental, noise and visual impacts, and potential fire safety and road safety issues have been addressed.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said large-scale batteries are key to a stronger, more reliable energy network.

“This is a major capital investment, creating jobs and providing Armidale Regional Council more than $2.5 million to invest in local community projects over the next 20 years,” Mr Scully said.

“The approval of the Armidale large-scale battery adds to a long list of approved clean energy projects that will power our renewable energy future.”

Northern Tablelands Duty MLC Peter Primrose said the project will deliver real and lasting benefits for the community, support local jobs, fund local facilities, and invest in projects people in the Armidale region rely on every day.

“The contributions secured for community infrastructure and the New England Rail Trail show how renewable energy projects can deliver more than clean power, they can deliver for communities,” he said.