Australia approves 250 MW agrivoltaic solar farm in Tasmania

June 23, 2025

Image: Weasel Solar Farm Station

Australia’s federal government has greenlit the development of a 250 MW agrivoltaic solar farm in Tasmania after a 20-day review, emphasizing its minimal environmental impact and dual-use design.

The Weasel Solar Farm Station, initiated by local landowners, will occupy 435 hectares in Bothwell, approximately 76 kilometers north of Hobart. The plan includes installing about 4,000 solar panels alongside a 144 MW / 576 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

A key feature of the project is its agrivoltaic approach, which will allow sheep to graze beneath the solar arrays, enabling continued agricultural use. The system will connect to the National Electricity Market via the upcoming Tasmania Midlands Central Highlands Renewable Energy Zone.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt highlighted that the project is an example of integrating clean energy with land stewardship, demonstrating how renewable generation and farming can successfully coexist. Watt noted that since 2022, 89 renewable energy projects have been approved — collectively able to power more than 11 million homes — advancing Australia’s journey toward becoming a renewable energy powerhouse.

The Weasel Solar Farm is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 44,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to planting 450,000+ trees. It is being spearheaded by the Downie family of Dungrove and the Bowden family of Weasel Plains, in partnership with Andrew Clark, a renewable energy legal advisor at Alternate Path in Melbourne.

Feasibility assessments suggest this will be Australia’s southernmost large-scale solar farm, benefiting from extended daylight hours during the summer that align with peak electricity demand.