The transaction involves possibly one of the first wind farms to be situated in an NSW State Forest
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has lent a hand on an industry-first deal that could involve one of the first wind farms to be hosted in an NSW State Forest.
The firm assisted Mainstream Renewable Power (Mainstream) and Someva Renewables (Someva) on a joint venture bid for a renewable energy investigation permit from the Forestry Corporation of NSW. The permit allows the JV to investigate the feasibility of a wind farm in NSW’s Sunny Corner State Forest.
The wind farm, which could be one of the first located within an NSW State Forest, is expected to have a capacity of about 500MW. Following a 15-month competitive tender and selection process, Mainstream and Someva were among four successful bidders to be granted investigation permits for renewable energy opportunities across NSW State Forests.
“This permit will kickstart Mainstream and Someva’s investigations of a wind farm in a NSW State Forest which could power around 300,000 homes, a milestone for the state’s renewable energy ambitions”, explained HSF lead partner Alison Dodd.
Mainstream’s Group CEO Mary Quaney praised the Forestry Corporation’s vision with respect to diversifying land use in line with the renewable energy transition.
“Sunny Corner Wind Farm is a milestone opportunity for NSW and an example of how innovative renewable energy developments can help strengthen regional prosperity while also playing an important role in NSW’s energy transition”, Someva managing director Jamie Chivers said. “Similar wind farms are in operation in forests around the world and we are excited to be working with Mainstream on this project”.
Dodd spearheaded the HSF team on this transaction alongside fellow projects, energy and infrastructure partner David Ryan, corporate senior associate Michael Trent, and solicitors Blair Feng and Sarah-Anne Butler. The environment, planning and communities provided further assistance through partner Peter Briggs, executive counsel Rebecca Davie, special counsel Guy Narburgh, and senior associate Tom Dougherty.
Forestry Corporation of NSW obtained advice from Clayton Utz.
