The affirmation of the Renewable Energy Target in June, combined with federal support programs recently launched by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), now provide more favourable conditions for solar projects in Australia.

According to a spokeswoman from Griffith City Council, Neoen decided to commit significant resources to the development of three large-scale solar projects including the “Griffith Solar Farm”.

The first phase of the project (30 megawatts, half of the project’s maximum capacity) will create up to 90 jobs during construction, which may start in late 2016 or early 2017.

The solar farm would be spread over 60 hectares of land in the Yoogali area, would comprise about 95,000 solar panels and would generate enough electricity to cover the needs of approximately 9000 homes. 

Griffith mayor John Dal Broi said council was highly supportive of Neoen’s proposed Griffith Solar Farm project and the prospect of attracting a large scale solar development within the local government area (LGA). 

“I am excited by the prospect of having the solar farm within the Griffith LGA, which could bring significant benefits to the local economy, industry and the community,” Councillor Dal Broi said. 

“Our region is suited for a large scale solar farm development; we have a high solar irradiance profile, electricity grid capacity, land suitability, minimal visual impact and potential for local industry renewable energy consumption.”

Neoen is currently running detailed connection studies and environmental impact studies for this project, as well as a community consultation program in order to ensure any concerns members of the Griffith community may have are addressed early in the planning and design of the proposals. The new project website www.griffithsolarfarm.com.au is integral to this consultation program, and will allow all project stakeholders to submit a feedback form online. 

“Some of solar energy’s most attractive qualities are the very low noise emission levels and limited height of its infrastructures, which do not generally raise concerns for neighbouring properties,” Cr Dal Broi said. 

“This is a really exciting opportunity for Griffith and I encourage everyone to attend a community information session on Monday December 14 from 4pm to 7pm at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

“Arranged by Neoen, this session will allow the community to discuss any questions they may have with both Neoen’s team and its environmental consultants.”