Yiray Clean Energy Park

About The Project

In 2020, ITP Development (now known as EDP Renewables Australia or EDPR Australia) was successful among 6 other participants in being awarded funding from the NSW Government’s Regional Community Energy Fund (RCEF). This program was designed to assist local communities with participating in innovative and dispatchable renewable energy. 

EDPR Australia is now developing the 6.8 MWp clean energy park with 10.5 MWh BESS located near the City of Orange that comes with an integrated community ownership. The site is situated 7km northwest of the City of Orange and 260km west of Sydney. 

Yiray Clean Energy Park comprises 11,676 solar panels, 4 containers of BESS, connections between BESS and PV inverter, an on-site substation, driveway, and a 11 kV power line and switching station connecting the project to Essential Energy’s power line. 

Initially named Orange Community Renewable Energy Park, EDPR Australia embarked on a collaborative initiative to rename the the project to best reflect the Orange community’s local culture and indigenous heritage. The project is now named Yiray Clean Energy Park.

Listening to the Community

In the first half of 2025, EDPR Australia engaged with community groups and heritage representatives through the Co-op to better understand the stories, traditions, and values that shape this place. Through conversations and sharings they expressed how deeply the Orange community connected to their history and environment.

A New Name with Local Roots

'Yiray', the local Wiradjuri word for 'sun', was chosen after consultation with a naming committee organised by EDPR Australia and several community members, including the First Nations Wiradjuri community. The name captures the project’s dual role: generating clean energy while serving as a cultural touchstone, honouring the communities EDPR Australia serves.

It also reflects the community’s heritage, celebrating the history, culture, and spirit of the land it stands on. It is a reminder that renewable energy can not only power homes and businesses but also honor the places and people that make each community unique.

Yiray Clean Energy Park now stands as a source of sustainable energy and a symbol of collaboration for a greener future.

Community Involvement

EDPR Australia partnered with Energy Democracy Pty Ltd to establish the OCREP Central West New South Wales Co-operative (Co-op) to lead and provide management services towards the community group’s activities and fundraising. The Co-op’s Board is comprised of local volunteer members who represent and administer community engagement activities. It currently has 125 members and has raised some funds along with the NSW Government continuing to provide background support. 

The Co-op will receive dividends throughout the 35-year project timeline, acting as a minority shareholder while EDPR remains the majority owner. 

The partnership also collaborated and renamed the project to better represent local heritage. The naming process included a systematic consultation phase with a naming committee comprising several community members, including the First Nations Wiradjuri community. 

Approvals

All necessary approvals have been obtained which includes the development permit and grid connection agreement. An experienced EPC has been engaged to take care of construction works which includes design, engineering and commissioning.

Other Highlights:

• Development Application (DA) permit: Granted and issued in December 2021. Current DA is final and valid.
• Grid connection permit: Connection Agreement, Offer to Connect and Offer to Proceed has been executed with Essential Energy in July 2023.
• Land Lease Agreement: Land is fully secured. Option was exercised and the Lease was executed on October 2021 for 35 years. 

Construction has started since November 2024, and is currently ongoing.

Project Benefits & Employment Opportunities

The benefits for local farming communities include a diversified, substantial and reliable income for the landowners hosting the project during the lifetime of the clean energy park, typically 35 years. These funds can serve to protect farming families from loss of income during poor harvests or droughts.

The project will also generate employment in the local area which contributes to gross regional domestic product. During construction, approximately 50 personnel will be on-site working from 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, there is a flow-on effect to the wider community. Local retailers and service providers benefit from increased economic activity in the locality of a clean energy park. Research by the Clean Energy Council suggests that for every direct construction and maintenance job created, two additional indirect jobs are created.