CleanGen Partnerships with Local Communities

A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines strategically placed in a particular area to generate clean and renewable electricity from the power of the wind. These turbines consist of large blades connected to a rotor, which spins when the wind blows. The spinning rotor generates electricity through a generator, contributing to a greener future.

As a farmer, a wind farm can bring several benefits to your livelihood. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for additional income by leasing a portion of your land for the wind turbines. Secondly, it allows you to diversify your revenue streams and reduce your dependence on traditional farming practices. Lastly, wind farms contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, fostering a cleaner environment for future generations.

By hosting wind turbines on your land, you can earn lease payments. These payments offer you a steady and reliable source of income, which can be particularly valuable during periods of low agricultural productivity or uncertain market conditions. We believe in long-term partnerships and aim to provide financial stability for farmers.

Rest assured that wind farms are designed to have minimal impact on your farming operations. The turbines and associated infrastructure occupy only a small portion of your land. Typically, you can continue to grow crops and allow livestock to graze in proximity to the wind turbines. We prioritize open communication with farmers to address any concerns and ensure that your farming activities can proceed smoothly.

No, during operations, wind farm towers are not typically fenced. The absence of fences around the tower allows you to continue your farming activities as usual, including grazing cattle and sheep in the surrounding areas. The open layout of the wind farm ensures that there are no physical barriers that hinder the movement of livestock or restrict your farming operations. CleanGen understands the importance of maintaining a harmonious coexistence between wind energy generation and agricultural practices, and we strive to minimize any potential disruptions to your farming activities.

Towards the end of the lease agreement, there are two potential scenarios to consider.

• Lease Renewal: Extend the lease agreement for a further term of ten years. There are two options to extend for 10 years each. This allows for the ongoing participation in the wind farm project and continued benefits from the lease agreement.
• Decommissioning Process: If the lease is ended, a decommissioning process will commence. The project owners, in accordance with the Planning Permit conditions and the Lease Agreement, will be responsible for the removal of the wind turbines and associated infrastructure. This process aims to reinstate the property to its original conditions or as specified in the decommissioning plan.

During the decommissioning process, the project company will ensure that all necessary permits, regulations, and environmental considerations are followed. The project owners will work diligently to remove the wind turbines and associated infrastructure in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

It's important to note that the specific details of the decommissioning process will be outlined in the Planning Permit conditions and the Lease Agreement. The project company will communicate and collaborate with you throughout the decommissioning process to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Like many moving objects, wind turbines do generate sound. However, the sound they produce can generally be described as a cyclic whooshing or swishing sound. In most cases, it is possible to have a conversation at the base of a wind turbine without needing to raise your voice.

The noise levels from wind turbines can vary depending on various factors such as the shape of the land, the position of the listener, and the speed and direction of the wind. We recognize the significance of addressing these concerns and ensure that detailed noise studies are conducted by specialized consultants during the project development and post-construction phases.

During the development phase, authorized environmental noise guidelines are applied to measure noise levels. These studies are carried out to ensure that noise levels meet the approved standards and that local residents are not negatively impacted. We are committed to adhering to strict noise requirements, which are established through the rigorous planning process.

Furthermore, during the operation of the wind farm, we actively monitor noise levels to ensure ongoing compliance with the noise requirements. We take the necessary measures to mitigate and minimize any potential noise impacts, working to create a harmonious coexistence between the wind farm and the surrounding community.

At our project, we value transparency and take noise concerns seriously. We aim to address these concerns through meticulous noise studies, adherence to regulatory requirements, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that our wind farm operates within acceptable noise limits.

Extensive research has been conducted to examine the level of infrasound produced by wind turbines. These studies consistently demonstrate that the level of infrasound generated by wind turbines is no greater than the background noise from other natural and non-natural sources that we encounter on a daily basis.

One notable study conducted by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (Infrasound levels near wind farms and in other environments, January 2013) aligns with the findings of consultants we work with. The key findings of these studies include:

• The measured levels of infrasound from wind farms are well below the threshold of perception, meaning they are not detectable by the human ear.
• The measured infrasound levels around wind farms are not higher than the levels measured in other locations where people live, work, and sleep.
• The characteristics of the noise produced by wind farms are not unique and are commonly encountered in everyday life.

These findings provide reassurance that wind farms do not emit infrasound at levels that would cause harm or discomfort to nearby residents. The research supports the conclusion that infrasound from wind turbines is comparable to or lower than the infrasound present in our environment from various other sources.

At CleanGen, we prioritize the well-being of communities and strive to ensure that wind farm operations are conducted in a manner that respects the health and comfort of nearby residents. We remain committed to adhering to applicable regulations and guidelines to mitigate any potential impacts, including those related to infrasound.

Wind farms have the potential to impact native wildlife, including birds and bats, due to factors such as blade strikes, barotrauma, and changes in flight patterns. However, before the construction of a wind farm begins, thorough planning and environmental assessments are conducted by independent experts. These assessments are carefully reviewed by local, state, and federal authorities to ensure that the project minimises its impact on the environment and native wildlife.

During the planning phase, the assessments take into account various factors such as the migration patterns, nesting areas, and habitats of native wildlife in the vicinity of the wind farm. The goal is to identify potential risks and implement appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following these assessments and adhering to regulatory guidelines, wind farm developers strive to minimise any adverse effects on native wildlife, including birds and bats.

Throughout the operation of a wind farm, continuous monitoring is carried out to assess the actual impact on native wildlife. If necessary, operational adjustments can be made to further reduce any potential negative effects. These adjustments may involve modifying turbine operations or implementing additional measures designed to minimise the risks to native wildlife populations.

It is important to note that wind farms play a vital role in addressing climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources. While developers and operators prioritise sustainable practices, they are also committed to the responsible management of potential impacts on native wildlife throughout the wind farm's lifecycle. By integrating environmental considerations and mitigation measures, the aim is to minimise the impact on native wildlife.

A typical wind farm's lifecycle is in four key stages:

1. Project Development and Approvals - Collaborating for Success (3 to 5 years): During this phase, we work diligently to develop the wind farm project in close collaboration with the community. We engage in extensive consultations, environmental assessments, and obtain the necessary permits and approvals. We value your input and aim to ensure that the project aligns with the best interests of the community.
2. Construction and Commissioning - Building Together (1 to 3 years): Once the necessary approvals are in place, we commence the construction phase. Depending on the size of the project, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to complete. Throughout this process, we strive to minimize disruptions, keep communication channels open, and ensure that you are informed about the progress being made. We value the opportunity to build together and create a project that benefits the community.
3. Operations - Powering Communities for 30 Years+: After construction and commissioning, the wind farm enters the operations phase. This is the period when the wind farm operates and generates clean, renewable energy for the next 30 years. We are committed to the long-term maintenance and optimization of the wind farm, ensuring it reaches its full potential and continues to provide revenue and benefits to the community.
4. Decommissioning - Responsible Closure, as Planned: As the wind farm reaches the end of its operational life, CleanGen, as the project owner, takes responsibility for its decommissioning. The conditions for decommissioning are clearly outlined in the Planning Approval and Lease Agreements. We adhere to these agreements and work with the community to ensure a responsible closure, prioritizing safety, environmental considerations, and site restoration. Our commitment extends to the full lifecycle of the wind farm.

The Option to Lease Agreement serves an important purpose in the wind farm development process. Its primary function is to grant CleanGen the right to conduct predevelopment activities, obtain necessary approvals, and progress the project to the construction-ready phase.

During the predevelopment stage, CleanGen invests considerable time and resources in conducting feasibility studies, environmental assessments, community consultations, and securing the required permits and approvals from government authorities. This phase typically spans 3 to 5 years and is crucial for ensuring that the wind farm project meets all regulatory and environmental requirements.

The Option to Lease Agreement provides CleanGen with the necessary authorization to pursue these predevelopment activities on the designated land. It gives CleanGen the exclusive option to lease the property once the project has obtained all the required government approvals and is ready for construction. This means that the lease agreement only comes into effect when CleanGen has fulfilled all necessary conditions and is prepared to commence construction.

By having the Option to Lease Agreement in place, CleanGen can progress the wind farm project smoothly through the predevelopment and approvals stage, working diligently to ensure that all necessary requirements are met. It provides clarity and a defined pathway for the development process, ensuring that construction only commences when all government approvals have been obtained.

The calculation of lease payments for your land is typically based on either an Annual Price per Tower or an Annual Price per MW (megawatt) of capacity. The latter option is particularly beneficial for landowners as it takes into account the potential development timeline of the wind farm, allowing you to benefit from any advancements or larger tower models that may become available during the development period, which can span up to 5 years.

It's important to note that MW refers to the capacity or size of the wind turbine tower, not the annual energy it produces. With this payment structure, you will receive a constant set amount each year, subject to annual escalations based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

By utilising an Annual Price per Tower or MW approach, we aim to provide you with a fair and transparent method for calculating lease payments. This ensures that you receive a consistent and predictable income from hosting the wind farm on your land, while also accounting for any technological advancements or changes in tower models that may occur during the development phase.

Yes, we offer the option for both an Option to Lease and an Option to Buy the land when the wind farm project reaches the construction-ready phase. This provides flexibility for landowners who may prefer either leasing or selling their land for the project.

Studies have shown that wind farms generally have little to no impact on property values in the surrounding areas. These studies are listed below:

• University of New South Wales Study (2014) — This study examined residential property sales data from over 7,400 transactions within 2.5 kilometers of 51 wind farms across New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. The findings indicated no evidence of negative impacts on property values associated with proximity to wind turbines.
• Valuation of Wind Farms in Australia Report (2016) — This report commissioned by the Australian Property Institute (API) analysed property valuations near wind farms across several regions in Australia. It concluded that there was no consistent evidence of wind farms having a negative impact on property values.
• Australian National University Study (2017) — Researchers examined residential property sales data from over 18,000 transactions within 5 kilometers of 58 wind farms across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The study found no evidence of adverse effects on property values due to proximity to wind turbines.

CleanGen acknowledges the significance of these studies conducted in Australia and understands the concerns regarding property values. We encourage you to review these studies and engage in a dialogue with us to address any specific concerns or questions you may have about wind farms and property values in the local context.

CleanGen prioritises the long-term success and sustainability of our wind farm projects. In the unlikely event that CleanGen faces financial challenges, our wind farm projects are protected. Each project is set up as a separate entity, often known as a Project Company, jointly owned by CleanGen and our investors. If the project is funded with a combination of debt and equity and faces financial difficulties, the bank that provided the project's financing will step in. The bank will work towards selling the project to a credible equity partner who can continue its operations successfully. Importantly, as a landowner, you will continue to receive your lease payments as agreed upon, regardless of any financial changes that may occur within the wind farm's ownership structure.

Yes, wind farms in Australia are required to have Bushfire Management Plans as part of their development process. These plans are developed in consultation with the Rural Fire Service or an equivalent organization. The purpose of these plans is to assess the risk of bushfires and outline measures to mitigate and manage them effectively.

The Bushfire Management Plans address various aspects related to fire safety and response. They include procedures for monitoring and assessing fire risks specific to the wind farm site, as well as strategies for supporting firefighting efforts and cooperating with emergency services in the event of a fire in the vicinity of the wind farm.

In addition to establishing procedures for managing bushfires, wind farm developers ensure that fire-fighting equipment is available on-site during the construction phase. This ensures that prompt action can be taken if a fire occurs, contributing to the overall safety and protection of the wind farm and its surroundings.

By proactively addressing bushfire risks and collaborating with relevant authorities, wind farms strive to minimize the potential impact of bushfires and prioritize the safety of their operations, employees, and the surrounding communities.

The risk of a wind turbine starting a fire is generally low due to various safety measures and design considerations implemented in their construction. Wind monitoring masts and wind turbines are designed with materials that provide a safe path for lightning strikes to the ground, reducing the risk of fire caused by lightning strikes.

Moreover, wind turbines are constructed with materials that are chosen specifically to limit fire risk. These materials are selected for their fire-resistant properties and their ability to withstand the conditions in which the turbines operate.

To further enhance safety, wind turbines are equipped with systems that can monitor and respond automatically to internal conditions. If any abnormal conditions or risks are detected, the turbines are designed to follow shutdown and isolation procedures to prevent the escalation of potential fire hazards.

It's important to note that wind farms also have comprehensive maintenance and monitoring protocols in place to regularly inspect and address any potential risks or issues that could lead to fires. These protocols are designed to ensure the ongoing safety and reliable operation of the wind turbines.

By incorporating these safety features, materials, and monitoring systems, wind turbine developers prioritize fire prevention and mitigation to maintain the safety and integrity of their installations.

According to assessments conducted by the Rural Fire Service (RFS) in the past, wind turbines are generally considered in the same manner as any other structures or obstructions when it comes to aerial firefighting operations.

When fighting fires in the vicinity of wind farms, the strategies employed by ground-based firefighting resources remain consistent with standard bushfire management approaches. These strategies are adapted based on the prevailing weather conditions and the specific topography of the area.

In terms of aerial firefighting, aircraft operating in the area would typically follow standard protocols to avoid wind turbines, similar to how they navigate around other obstructions such as power lines. The primary concern is to ensure the safety of aerial firefighting operations and prevent any potential collisions or hazards that could arise from close proximity to wind turbines.

The RFS, along with other relevant authorities and emergency services, work together to coordinate firefighting efforts in a way that effectively addresses the fire situation while taking into account the presence of wind farms and the necessary safety considerations associated with them.

By maintaining clear communication and coordination between ground-based and aerial firefighting resources, the aim is to minimize any potential impact or interference posed by wind turbines and ensure an effective response to bushfire incidents.

Numerous scientific studies and assessments have been conducted to investigate the potential health effects of wind farms. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released a statement in 2015 after a careful evaluation of the available evidence. The conclusion reached by the NHMRC is that there is currently no consistent evidence to support the claim that wind farms cause adverse health effects in humans.

This is reassuring news for communities and individuals living near wind farms. It provides confidence that properly regulated, and responsibly operated wind farms do not pose a significant risk to human health. The findings of the NHMRC statement align with the experiences of many communities worldwide, where wind farms have coexisted peacefully with residents without any reported health problems.

By adhering to strict regulations and guidelines, wind farm developers ensure that noise levels, as well as other environmental factors, are within acceptable limits. Ongoing monitoring and compliance measures further contribute to the wellbeing of nearby residents.

It is important to emphasize that wind farms play a crucial role in generating clean, renewable energy and combating climate change. They contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and their associated environmental and health impacts.

With the reassurance provided by the NHMRC statement and the continued commitment to responsible operation, communities can confidently embrace wind farms as a positive and sustainable solution for meeting our energy needs while prioritizing public health and well-being.

The carbon payback period of a wind farm refers to the time it takes for the clean electricity generated by the turbines to offset the carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing process and construction of supporting infrastructure. Extensive studies have been conducted to assess this payback period.

According to various studies, the carbon payback time for a wind turbine is typically estimated to be between six to twelve months. This means that within this relatively short period, the wind turbine has already generated enough clean electricity to compensate for the carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing and construction. Considering the typical lifespan of a wind turbine, which can span 30 years or more, this is a favourable outcome.

These studies take into account the energy and resources used for materials, manufacturing processes, and the construction of supporting infrastructure. They provide valuable insights into the environmental benefits of wind energy, demonstrating that wind farms contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions over their operational lifespan.

By harnessing the power of wind to generate renewable electricity, wind farms play a vital role in mitigating climate change and transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The relatively short carbon payback period further highlights the environmental advantages of wind energy as a low-carbon and environmentally friendly power generation source.

A large-scale battery energy storage system is a setup designed to store energy in the form of electricity and release it when needed. It consists of multiple batteries connected to each other and to the power grid, allowing for the storage and distribution of electricity.

Additional Income: Hosting a BESS can provide farmers with a new source of income through lease agreements. Grid Stabilization: By hosting a BESS, farmers can contribute to grid stabilization by storing excess energy during low demand periods and supplying it during peak demand times.

Reduced Emissions: By optimizing energy usage and integrating renewable energy sources, BESS can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional energy generation. Promotion of Renewable Energy: Hosting a BESS encourages the adoption of renewable energy technologies, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy ecosystem.

CleanGen will be responsible for the prefeasibility considerations which are listed below:

• Land Requirements: Assess the available land on your farm to determine if it can accommodate the size and infrastructure of a BESS.
• Regulatory and Permitting Processes: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and permitting processes for installing and operating a BESS on your property.
• Financial Implications: Evaluate the financial aspects of hosting a BESS, including potential income streams, investment costs, and return on investment.
• Technical Requirements: Consider the technical requirements such as access to the grid, proximity to renewable energy sources, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

By entering into a land lease arrangement with CleanGen who will then assess the viability over a period of 1-5 years.

• Government Incentives: Some governments offer incentives, grants, or tax credits for renewable energy and energy storage projects, which farmers can leverage to offset installation costs.
• Energy Programs: Explore energy programs and initiatives at the local, state, or federal level that support the deployment of BESS and renewable energy technologies.
• Financial Institutions: Investigate financing options available through banks, financial institutions, or energy financing programs tailored for renewable energy projects.

• Initial Investment: The upfront costs of installing a BESS can be significant, requiring careful financial planning and investment.
• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating regulatory requirements and permitting processes can be complex and time-consuming, requiring expertise and resources.
• Technical Issues: Maintenance, performance optimization, and technical challenges related to BESS operation may arise, requiring ongoing monitoring and management.

• Regular Monitoring: Implement a monitoring system to track BESS performance, energy storage levels, and overall system health.
• Scheduled Maintenance: Establish a maintenance schedule and work with qualified technicians to conduct routine inspections, repairs, and servicing of BESS components.
• Emergency Response Plan: Develop an emergency response plan to address potential issues such as power outages, equipment failures, or safety concerns, ensuring the safety of personnel and property.

A large-scale solar farm is an array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed across a parcel of land to capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity. The electricity is fed into the national grid, contributing clean, renewable power to homes and businesses across the region. Unlike rooftop solar, utility-scale solar farms are designed to generate electricity at a scale that can power thousands of households.

• Additional income: Hosting a solar farm provides a reliable, long-term lease income that is independent of seasonal conditions, commodity prices or market fluctuations — giving farmers a stable financial foundation alongside their agricultural operations.
• Land productivity: Solar panels occupy only a portion of the land surface, and in many cases grazing animals such as sheep can continue to graze beneath and around the panels, maintaining dual land use.
• Community benefit: Solar farms contribute clean energy to the grid and reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels, making a tangible contribution to a more sustainable future for rural communities.
• Grid contribution: By hosting a solar farm, landowners directly support Australia’s energy transition and help stabilise the grid with reliable renewable generation.

Solar farms are designed to have minimal disruption to existing farming activities. The solar panels and associated infrastructure typically occupy only a portion of the total land area. In many cases, sheep grazing can continue beneath the panels — a practice known as agrivoltaics — which maintains productive land use throughout the life of the project. Rows between panels can also support native ground cover and pollinator habitat. CleanGen works closely with landowners to understand existing agricultural practices and design the project layout to minimise any impact on farming operations.

• Reduced emissions: Solar farms generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to Australia’s climate targets.
• Carbon payback: The carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and installing solar panels are typically offset within 1–2 years of operation — and a solar farm operates for 30 years or more, delivering decades of net-zero electricity.
• Biodiversity opportunity: Well-designed solar farms can support native ground cover, wildflowers and pollinator habitat beneath and around the panels, improving local biodiversity compared to intensive cropping.
• Water conservation: Unlike conventional power generation, solar farms require no water for electricity production, reducing pressure on local water resources.

CleanGen manages the prefeasibility process on behalf of landowners. Key considerations include:

• Land requirements: Solar farms typically require relatively flat or gently sloping land, with good solar resource and proximity to the electricity grid. CleanGen will assess your property as part of the prefeasibility process.
• Grid connection: Access to a transmission or distribution line of sufficient capacity is an important factor in determining project viability.
• Planning and approvals: Solar farms of a certain scale require planning approval as State Significant Development (SSD) in NSW, or equivalent in other states. CleanGen manages the full approvals process.
• Lease terms: Lease payments are typically structured as an annual amount per hectare or per megawatt (MW) of installed capacity, CPI-indexed annually over the life of the project.

The first step is to enter into an Option to Lease Agreement with CleanGen. This allows CleanGen to assess the viability of a solar farm on your property over a period of typically 3–5 years while the necessary feasibility studies, environmental assessments and planning approvals are completed. The lease itself only commences once all approvals are in place and CleanGen is ready to proceed with construction.

The Option to Lease Agreement grants CleanGen the right to conduct predevelopment activities on your land — including feasibility studies, environmental and cultural heritage assessments, community consultation, and lodging planning applications with government authorities. During this period, CleanGen invests the time and resources required to take the project through to construction-ready status.

The Option to Lease only converts into a full Lease Agreement once all government approvals have been obtained and CleanGen has made a final decision to proceed with construction. This means landowners are not locked into a full lease until the project is genuinely ready to build.

Solar farm lease payments are typically structured as either an annual payment per hectare of land leased or an annual payment per MW of installed capacity. The per-MW approach is often preferred by landowners as it accounts for any increase in panel efficiency or project scale that may occur during the development phase.

Payments are CPI-indexed annually and are made for the full operating life of the solar farm, which is typically 30–35 years. CleanGen aims to provide fair, transparent and competitive lease terms that reflect the long-term value of hosting a solar farm on your land.

Yes. In addition to the Option to Lease, CleanGen can also discuss an Option to Buy arrangement where landowners prefer to sell rather than lease their property for a solar farm development. CleanGen is open to discussing both structures to find the arrangement that best suits individual landowners.

• Federal programs: The Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) and Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) programs support large-scale renewable energy projects, contributing to the financial viability of solar farms in eligible areas.
• State programs: Each state has its own renewable energy targets and programs that may support solar farm development. CleanGen stays up to date with all relevant funding opportunities and incorporates these into project planning.
• Financing options: Landowners do not typically need to invest capital in a solar farm — CleanGen is responsible for all development and construction costs. Lease income commences once the project is operational.

Available research in Australia and internationally suggests that large-scale solar farms generally have little to no negative impact on surrounding property values. Unlike some other forms of infrastructure, solar farms are visually low-profile, quiet, and do not generate traffic or industrial activity during operations.

CleanGen is happy to discuss any specific concerns about property values with neighbouring landowners as part of our community engagement process.

Solar farms are among the quietest forms of energy infrastructure. During operation, the only sources of sound are the inverters — which convert DC electricity from the panels to AC electricity for the grid — and any cooling fans associated with them. These produce a low hum that is typically inaudible beyond the project boundary.

During construction, there will be some noise associated with earthworks, fencing, panel installation and civil works. CleanGen manages construction noise in accordance with applicable EPA guidelines and keeps neighbouring landowners informed of construction schedules.

Modern solar panels are designed with anti-reflective coatings that significantly reduce glare. Unlike glass or metal surfaces, solar panels are engineered to absorb rather than reflect sunlight. Detailed glare assessments are conducted during the planning phase to ensure that any potential impact on neighbouring properties, roads or aviation is identified and addressed through design measures such as panel orientation, landscaping and screening vegetation.

Before construction begins, independent environmental assessments are conducted to identify any potential impacts on native vegetation, fauna habitat, waterways and ecological communities. These assessments are reviewed by relevant state and federal authorities as part of the planning approval process.

In many cases, solar farms can actively support biodiversity by reducing intensive land management, allowing native ground cover to establish beneath and around panels, and providing habitat for pollinators and ground-nesting birds. CleanGen works with ecologists to design projects that minimise impacts and, where possible, deliver biodiversity co-benefits.

Yes. Solar farms are required to have Bushfire Management Plans developed in consultation with the NSW Rural Fire Service (or equivalent state authority). These plans assess bushfire risk specific to the project site and outline measures to prevent, detect and respond to fire incidents.

Solar panels and inverters are designed with fire-resistant materials and incorporate automatic shutdown systems that activate if abnormal conditions are detected. Fire-fighting equipment is available on-site during construction, and emergency access routes are incorporated into the project design to ensure rapid response capability.

• Lease renewal: The lease may be extended for a further term by mutual agreement, typically in 10-year increments, allowing continued operation of the solar farm if it remains productive and viable.
• Repowering: At the end of the initial operational life, it may be possible to repower the project by replacing aging panels with newer, more efficient technology, extending the productive life of the site.
• Decommissioning: If the lease is not renewed, CleanGen is responsible for the full decommissioning of the solar farm in accordance with the Planning Approval and Lease Agreement. This includes removal of all panels, inverters, cabling, fencing and associated infrastructure, and rehabilitation of the land to its pre-project condition or as agreed with the landowner. Decommissioning security is typically held by the planning authority to ensure this obligation is met.

A typical solar farm follows four key stages:

• Project Development and Approvals (3–5 years) — Feasibility studies, environmental and cultural heritage assessments, community consultation, planning applications and approvals. CleanGen manages this entire process.
• Construction and Commissioning (6–18 months) — Civil works, panel installation, electrical infrastructure and grid connection. CleanGen minimises disruption and keeps all stakeholders informed throughout.
• Operations (30–35 years) — The solar farm generates clean electricity and lease payments flow to landowners. CleanGen or its appointed operator manages ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
• Decommissioning — Full removal of infrastructure and site rehabilitation as outlined in the Planning Approval and Lease Agreement.

CleanGen structures each solar farm project as a separate Project Company, typically jointly owned by CleanGen and the project’s investors. This means the project company is legally distinct from CleanGen itself. If the project is financed with a combination of debt and equity, the project’s lenders have security over the project assets and would work to transfer ownership to a credible new operator in the event of financial difficulty.

As a landowner, your lease payments are secured by the Lease Agreement and the project’s financing structure. Your ongoing income is protected regardless of changes in the project’s ownership or financing arrangements.

• Development risk: The planning and approvals process can be lengthy and complex. CleanGen carries this risk during the development phase, with no financial obligation on the landowner.
• Grid connection: Securing a grid connection of sufficient capacity is a key development milestone. CleanGen works with network operators to identify the optimal connection point and manages this process.
• Weather and performance: Solar generation varies with cloud cover and seasons. Modern solar farms are designed and modelled to account for local weather patterns, and performance monitoring ensures any underperformance is identified and addressed promptly.

CleanGen is committed to early, open and ongoing engagement with landowners, neighbours, councils, First Nations peoples and other community members throughout the life of a solar farm project. We hold community information sessions during the development phase, provide regular project updates, and maintain a dedicated community liaison contact for any questions or concerns.

As part of our Community Engagement and Benefit Sharing Plan (CEBSP), CleanGen commits to allocating a portion of annual project revenue to a local community benefit fund once the project is operational. In NSW, this is guided by the SSD community benefit-sharing framework ($850 per MW per year). These funds are independently managed and directed toward local priorities including education, sport, women’s empowerment, First Nations initiatives, and other causes identified in consultation with the local community and council.