Cootamundra Energy Project
Project overview
Nestled amongst the lush green hills of Cootamundra, this solar and battery project features 8,080 panels spread across 19 hectares and generates approximately 11,800 MWh annually.
Project details
With construction commencing in early 2023 and first generation occurring in February 2024, the 5.8 MW Cootamundra Solar Farm was financed and built by Flow Power.
Flow Power’s in house Engineering and Projects teams undertook all development, design and procurement.
Since the start of its operational phase, the project has provided clean energy to the NSW grid and helped support local economic growth.
In mid 2025, battery systems were added to the solar farm to make it an energy project, helping stabilise the local grid and putting downward pressure on electricity prices for the region.
The technology
Glare from smooth surfaces such as solar panels can pose a safety hazard and visual nuisance to motorists and residents.
Flow Power commissioned a glare study and implemented a back-tracking limit angle to reduce this impact on local community.
The back-tracking algorithms are set to follow the sun, enabling maximum generation, while reducing inter-row shading and minimising glare.
All strings of the solar panels are connected and monitored to track the performance of each unit along with the overall output and performance of the entire solar farm.
If one panel has an issue, such as a microfracture or hotspot, this can affect the generation of an entire string of panels.
Wireless string monitoring allows our team to remotely identify inefficiencies at a granular level, maintaining optimal levels of generation.
Cootamundra previously operated as a standard solar farm but was built with a battery-ready inverter to accommodate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the future. This was installed in 2025, and Cootamundra Solar Farm was then renamed Cootamundra Energy Project.
The installation of the batteries allows the site to be run as a solar farm when demand and prices are low, while simultaneously charging the batteries. The batteries can then be turned on to export energy back to the grid when demand and prices are high – typically in the morning or afternoon.
Environmental impact
Previously industrially zoned, Flow Power has transformed the site into a renewable energy generator surrounded by 6,000 native and thriving plants.
Flow Power commissioned ecological studies which identified the southern side of the site is home to many birds, bats, and other animals, some of which may be endangered. The study’s findings were incorporated in the building plan to ensure the site’s footprint was located at a suitable distanc and nondisruptive to species in the area.
In 2025, based on the findings of the ecology report, an additional 1200 plants of varying species were planted in collaboration with the local Jayfields Nursery and in consultation with the local land care. Flow Power hopes to make this area a biodiversity site over the next 20 years and beyond, which will support the species in the area.
Community benefits
Coota Beach Volleyball Tournament
Flow Power is proud to sponsor the annual Coota Beach Volleyball Tournament, working with Adina Care and the event organisers to sponsor vital safety equipment for the event.
In 2025, Flow Power sponsored the purchase of safety bolsters between the courts. Most recently, Flow Power has contributed to the new free standing volleyball padding supplied by Madison Sports to continue improving safety for participants ready for the 2026 tournament.
Near the Project’s site is the home turf of the Cootamundra Strikers – the local soccer team sponsored by Flow Power.
Flow Power is committed to supporting biodiversity both onsite and in the local area as a long-term legacy project. We plan to continue watering and monitoring the area with a local contractor, and are working with local land care and biodiversity specialists to protect and enhance the area.
In the future, we hope to work with volunteer groups to measure and report on improvements in biodiversity in the area.
Cootamundra Energy Project has partnered with a local farmer to provide a home to several sheep. Grazing on the Project site provides mutual benefits, with the sheep benefitting from additional shade under the solar panels and plenty of green vegetation. This keeps the grass height onsite under control which helps manage bushfire risk.
How does Cootamundra Energy Project work?
Timeline
FAQ
Cootamundra Energy Project is expected to generate for approximately 30 years.
Yes. All infrastructure will be removed at the end of the project’s life as part of a planned decommissioning process.
Bushfire risk is managed in collaboration with the local fire service. Additionally, we employ local contractors to mow the grass and partner with local farmers to graze sheep on the site which helps keep vegetation down and reduce fire risk. During commissioning the local brigade was invited to site as part of a site familiarisation process
Jobs were created through partnerships with local contractors. We currently employ local contractors to assist with ongoing maintenance during operations. Flow Power also partners with local farmers to run sheep on the site which assists with vegetation management, and bushfire risk.
An Aboriginal Heritage Assessment was undertaken and a survey completed in 2022 with assistance from a representative of the Aboriginal community. It was concluded that the only feature of cultural significance near the study area is Muttama Creek, which is not being impacted by the project.
Work with us
Flow Power is committed to working with local businesses in the regions where we operate. If you’re supplier or local business looking to partner with us, we want to hear from you.
If you’re wondering whether your land is right for a renewable energy project or want to learn more about the project development process, register your interest in project development opportunities with us.
If you’d like to know more about Cootamundra Energy Project, give feedback or submit a complaint get in touch at info@CootamundraEnergyProject.com.au, or complete this form.
If you’re an existing Flow Power customer, please contact your dedicated account manager.