According to a latest report by the Australian renewable energy media Renewable Economy on December 1, 2025, the planned largest solar and battery storage hybrid project in the country—the Richmond Valley Solar Farm developed by Ark Energy—has undergone significant adjustments to its plans and received federal government approval. The project is located at Myrtle Creek in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. It was previously planned as a 500-megawatt (MW) solar farm paired with a 275 MW / 2,200 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system. The core changes in this adjustment include: Upgraded Battery Storage System: Its power capacity has been increased from 275 MW to 475 MW, aiming to "improve synergies with the solar farm." Optimized Solar Farm Layout: Due to adjustments in the grid connection point, modifications to fencing lines, and considerations for protecting specific plant species, the layout of the solar panels has been optimized, reducing the project's total land footprint by 14 hectares. The report notes that these design adjustments have achieved a reduction in the project's overall development footprint. Although the battery section's footprint slightly increased due to the addition of 80 inverters, the optimized layout of the solar section resulted in significant land savings. The project has received state planning approval and is scheduled to commence construction early next year. News Extension: Behind Efficient Layouts Lies the Support of Professional Mounting Systems The design optimization of Ark Energy's large-scale project, which reduces land occupancy while enhancing storage capacity, once again demonstrates the global trend of large-scale photovoltaic power plants moving towards intensive and refined development. Achieving the goal of "generating more electricity on less land" relies not only on efficient modules but also on the precise design and reliable support of the underlying photovoltaic mounting system. A professional mounting solution is the cornerstone for maximizing land resource utilization, adapting to complex terrain, and ensuring the safe and stable operation of a power plant throughout its entire lifecycle. For instance, scientific array arrangement, tilt angle optimization, and robust foundation design can significantly increase the power output per unit of land area, which aligns perfectly with the needs of intensive development in large-scale projects. About ArtSign Energy ArtSign Energy specializes in providing customized, high-performance mounting system solutions for various types of photovoltaic power plants worldwide. We are committed to helping clients tackle complex terrain challenges and optimize land use efficiency through innovative engineering design and reliable products, offering solid infrastructure support for future-oriented large-scale renewable energy projects like the Richmond Valley Solar Farm. For any inquiry for solar panel mounting system, pls contact us, E-mail: s...