The Mortlake Energy Hub

Solar panels are mounted on racks which are supported by steel posts driven into the ground. Posts are placed without the use of concrete and can easily be removed at the end of a project’s life. Once a project is decommissioned, the project is removed, we recycle the majority of the project’s components, and the site is returned to its original condition.

Mortlake Energy Hub will produce 360 MW solar energy and store a further 600 MW through a BESS which will connect to the existing Mortlake terminal station.   This connection will be established through a proposed substation, equipped with 33 kV underground transformers to the east of the existing terminal station.

Selecting a location for a solar project requires significant research and planning. The ideal site includes the following features:

• Land parcel(s) large enough to host the project and with land that is fairly flat and primarily free of environmental concerns, like wetlands or environmentally sensitive plants or animals.
• Transmission infrastructure already in place capable of connecting with our project.
• Near areas where more electricity is needed. In the energy industry, we refer to this as “demand” and it’s a result of more electric devices relying on the electricity grid and/or regional growth from people or businesses moving to the area.

Renewable power projects provide numerous financial benefits to a community. These include:

• • Creation of numerous jobs during construction and long-term operations and maintenance jobs.
  • Production of low-cost clean power, which is in high demand by utilities and corporations and attracts economic development to the areas where it is available.
  • Delivery of clean renewable power to the utility grid to help meet the region’s energy needs.

BrightNight understands the importance of addressing concerns related to potential impacts on property values within the project area. Extensive research and studies conducted by independent experts have consistently shown that properly planned and operated solar projects have no adverse effects on nearby property values. In fact, solar farms often coexist harmoniously with neighbouring properties and contribute positively to local economies. BrightNight remains committed to working collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the project.

Solar projects are a form of low-impact land use that can safely operate next to neighboring agricultural operations. In fact, the natural ground cover under and between the rows of panels allows the soil to rest and rebuild nutrients, just as agricultural conservation programs recommend, making the land more profitable upon return to agricultural use. Sheep grazing can be used for grounds maintenance on the site, and plants that attract pollinators (ex. bees) can be added to benefit neighboring farms. In some cases, solar projects can co-exist with certain crops.

When the project stops generating electricity, the project equipment will be removed, and the landowner can decide to repurpose it back to agriculture.

Solar panels are specifically designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it. They have an anti-reflective coating that allows them to absorb and utilise as much sunlight as possible to generate electricity. As you drive by a solar project, the panels often appear purple or even black in color.

Solar photovoltaic technology has safely operated for more than 50 years. There are no emissions or contamination from solar facilities to the air, water, or soil. Multiple independent studies by industry and leading engineering universities affirm that solar technology and solar energy production are safe for the landowner, the surrounding community, and the environment.

Additionally, solar projects do not emit any gasses nor release anything into the environment. Only a few components of solar panels contain toxic materials, but these exist in small quantities and are safely encapsulated within the panel structure, even if the panel becomes damaged. Thus, ensuring they pose no danger to human, animal, or environmental health.

Most materials in a solar project are similar to what you might find in any building construction or even in your car. Poly and mono-crystalline panels do not have any liquid inside of them. If broken there is nothing toxic to escape. The polysilicon wafers used in these panels are very similar to the microchips and computer boards that are inside of the phone in your pocket.

At the end of the system’s lifetime, BrightNight will safely remove the solar panels and recycle the majority of the project’s components.

Solar projects do not increase water runoff and, in the long-term, can actually improve soil and water quality. Over the life of the project, the native grasses and flora that are planted and maintained under and between each row of panels represent a net reduction in chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides that are often the primary sources of groundwater contamination from other land uses.

Additionally, stormwater management plans are a required part of the solar development process. These plans are prepared by professional engineers to ensure that projects do not contribute to area erosion or flooding, and are reviewed and approved as part of the permit approval process.

When a solar project’s life is complete, the project is removed, the site is turned to its original condition, and the majority of project materials will be recycled.

BrightNight is committed to ensuring that access points to the solar farm are strategically located to minimise disruption to nearby family homes. Specific details regarding access points will be outlined in the project’s development plan, taking into consideration community feedback and local regulations.

BrightNight places a high priority on biosecurity measures to prevent any potential breaches. Stringent protocols will be implemented during construction and operation to minimise the risk of biosecurity incidents. These measures may include controlled access, monitoring, and regular inspections by qualified personnel.

BrightNight’s commitment extends beyond energy generation to include direct local investment through a community benefit fund, further enriching the region’s development. BrightNight is seeking further community input and consultation as it develops the fund framework and responds to the agreed collective need and potential legacy impact of such funding.

BrightNight recognises the importance of fair compensation for any impacts experienced by the local community. Compensation packages, if applicable, will be developed in accordance with relevant regulations and guidelines. Details regarding compensation eligibility, criteria, and application processes will be provided to affected stakeholders during the consultation phase of the project.

BrightNight is committed to transparency and accountability in addressing community concerns. As part of its stakeholder engagement process, BrightNight will maintain a register of complaints to track and respond to any issues raised by the community. This register will facilitate timely resolution of concerns and ensure continuous improvement in project management and operations. Contact BrightNight on 1800 849 633 or email mortlakeenergyhub@brightnightpower.com

BrightNight recognises the significance of Indigenous cultural heritage and is committed to engaging with First Nations communities and their traditional owners from Eastern Maar, to identify and protect cultural heritage sites. After participating in a site visit, further collaboration with Eastern Maar has informed the development of a voluntary Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) to mitigate potential impacts on cultural heritage values and ensure respectful project implementation. The results of the CHMP will be discussed further with Eastern maar representatives once completed.

BrightNight maintains comprehensive insurance coverage, including public liability insurance, to protect against potential risks and liabilities associated with project development and operation. Insurance arrangements are subject to review and approval by relevant regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices. For specific details regarding insurance coverage, stakeholders may refer to documentation provided by BrightNight’s insurance providers or consult with project representatives for further information.

BrightNight is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and will conduct thorough assessments to evaluate potential impacts on water flow associated with the solar farm. The very localised re-distribution of rainfall from panels, will result in no consequential water losses across the site. A Flood Impact Assessment will pre prepared prior to submission to ensure runoff beyond the panel areas are not affected.