Derby Future Energy System

Overview

Horizon Power proposes to construct and operate the Derby Future Energy System (FES) for energy supply to the town of Derby within the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

The proposal comprises ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system up to 21 megawatts (MW), battery energy storage systems (BESS) up to 10 MW, a new thermal power station up to 8 MW, and a transmission network connection route. The thermal power station will be installed adjacent to the existing power station on Broome Street in Derby. The solar PV and BESS will be installed at either Site A (2.5 km south of Derby) or at Site B (5 km south of Derby). A transmission network connection route will connect the solar PV and BESS to a substation at the existing power station. The transmission network connection will either be an overhead or underground electrical distribution or transmission line and will be up to 8.9 km long.

The proposal would include a total disturbance of up to 73.5 hectares (ha) of native vegetation within a 307.3 ha development envelope.

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.