Australia's largest solar plant gets under way
AGL Energy Limited (AGL) has announced that construction of the $300 million Nyngan Solar Plant is scheduled to commence with the head contractor, First Solar, mobilising to the site on 28 January 2014.
The Nyngan Solar Plant will take approximately 18 months to complete and will deliver 102 megawatts (MW) of renewable power, and provide a significant economic boost to the Nyngan region. It is expected to be fully operational by June 2015.
An estimated 300 direct construction jobs will be created to support the plant's construction, with the majority of workers expected to be housed in an accommodation camp being built in Nyngan. Additional employment is expected to be created indirectly in restaurants, hotels and local businesses.
The Nyngan Solar Plant will be the largest solar power station in Australia, with more than 1,350,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules expected to be installed on the 250 hectare site.
The Plant will produce enough electricity to power more than 33,000 average New South Wales (NSW) homes¹ and will abate more than 203,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, the equivalent of taking more than 53,000 cars off the road.
AGL's Group General Manager Merchant Energy, Anthony Fowler, said AGL was pleased to announce this important milestone in a project which began more than four years ago.
"The project will provide significant flow on benefits to the Nyngan region and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the community."
The Nyngan Solar Plant is the first of two large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects that AGL will deliver with support from the Federal Government's Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)[i] and the NSW Government. Construction of the Broken Hill Solar Plant is scheduled to commence in mid 2014, and expected to be completed by the end of 2015.
First Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the Nyngan and Broken Hill Solar Plant projects, using its advanced thin-film PV modules. First Solar will also operate and maintain both projects for AGL for five years after commercial operation starts.
As part of AGL's commitment, a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) has been established for the Nyngan Solar Plant project. Interested community members are welcome to join and observe the next meeting which is scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, 5 February 2014 at the Nyngan RSL Club.