Australia's largest solar farm a respite from negative industry changes
The launch of Australia's largest solar farm is a landmark achievement and a bright moment for an industry whose future is currently under a cloud, according to the Clean Energy Council.
Clean Energy Council Acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the Royalla Solar Farm in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) south of Canberra was one of only a few genuinely large-scale solar projects in the country.
"This project has helped to demonstrate the exciting opportunity and massive benefits that large scale solar can deliver in Australia. The Royalla Solar Farm is a showcase for what is possible using today's technology, and has utilised many local businesses, suppliers and contractors to deliver a real boost to the local economy," Mr Thornton said.
"Royalla developer FRV is to be congratulated for its leadership and commitment to delivering a pioneering project during a challenging period for the solar sector in Australia."
Mr Thornton said the ongoing review of the Renewable Energy Target had put the future of the entire sector in doubt, and the industry was enduring its worst year for investment since 2001.
"The Royalla Solar Farm is only possible because of the leadership role played by the ACT Government in supporting it," he said.
"Polling released this week from Crosby Textor shows Australians want more renewable energy projects such as the Royalla Solar Farm. And 82 per cent of those polled want the Renewable Energy Target left alone to continue delivering jobs and investment benefits for the country."