New England Solar officially opened on March 16, 2023, reaffirming ACEN’s commitment to strengthen Australia’s energy security while bolstering the country’s roadmap to a low carbon future.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, together with the officials from ACEN Australia and ACEN led by its CEO Eric Francia, at the New England Solar groundbreaking ceremony last 2022.

ACEN Australia announced last May 24, 2022 the successful commencement of its 50 MW one hour battery that will be connected to its New England Solar Farm in Uralla, New South Wales.

As part of New England Solar’s community benefit sharing initiative, Uralla Grants provide assistance and support to promote community resilience, prosperity, sustainability, and recreation. At completion of Stage 1 construction, a total $200,000 in grants for the Uralla Community will be delivered via four rounds. Applications can be made to a maximum of $5,000 per project. Community groups, businesses, organizations and individuals may apply within 5 km of the project site.

The Community Benefit Sharing Initiative A Community Benefit Sharing Initiative has been established to support the community by providing a yearly reward for every megawatt of power generating capacity installed at the solar farm over its 25-year working life. A fund would be built up over time to provide no-interest loans to local households, not-for-profit community groups, public buildings and businesses. The loans would be used for energy efficiency retrofitting, solar PV installation, and solar hot water and water efficiency improvements.

Supporting Community and Sporting Organizations The New England Solar Farm is proud to be supporting a number of important community and sporting organizations across the region, including:
​ZNet Uralla, Uralla Cricket Club, Can Assist Uralla, Uralla Rugby Club, Uralla Netball Club, Uralla Tennis Club