A significant grass fire has forced the shutdown of the **Wellington North solar farm**, one of Australia’s largest solar energy facilities, located in central western **New South Wales (NSW)**. The fire broke out in the early afternoon on **December 6, 2023**, during a heatwave that has ignited numerous fires across the state, resulting in extensive damage to properties.
The **Rural Fire Service** reported that the grass fire, spanning approximately **92 hectares**, was brought under control by **14:35** local time. The facility, owned by **Lightsource bp**, ceased operations shortly after **13:00** on the same day, according to market data.
In a statement, Lightsource bp confirmed the situation: “We can confirm that a fire was reported at our Wellington North solar farm during the heatwave conditions on Saturday. Our incident response protocols were activated immediately, and our teams worked closely with emergency services as they managed the situation.” The company emphasized the importance of safety for personnel on-site and in surrounding areas.
As of now, the extent of the damage remains unclear, and Lightsource bp is assessing the impact on the facility. The company stated it is working diligently to restore operations in the coming days. Regarding the fire’s cause, a spokesperson noted, “The team is working to understand the cause.”
Community Reaction and Misidentification
The incident has sparked considerable discussion on social media, particularly from critics of renewable energy projects. **Philip Toynton**, deputy mayor of **Dubbo** and a member of the **Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party**, shared photos from the scene, commenting on the event. He questioned the reliability of renewable energy, stating, “This is the thing that happens with renewable energy. Zero emissions my backside.”
Toynton erroneously referred to the **200 MW Wellington solar farm**, a separate facility also developed by Lightsource bp but since sold. This misidentification highlights ongoing tensions in the community regarding renewable energy initiatives.
The Wellington North solar farm began supplying power to the grid in **June 2024**. As the situation develops, Lightsource bp remains focused on ensuring safety and understanding the incident’s causes while addressing the operational challenges that arise from this disruption.
The fire incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions to renewable energy infrastructure. As assessments continue, stakeholders will undoubtedly watch closely to gauge the impact on the facility and the broader implications for solar energy in the region.
