The MIA is fast becoming the clean energy capital of NSW after plans were announced to build a solar farm in Coleambally that will power more than 50,000 homes.
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On Thursday, French renewable energy producer, Neoen, announced the deal in partnership with energy retailer, Energy Australia.
The announcement comes just two weeks after construction of 112,000 panels commenced on Neoen’s Griffith solar farm in Yoogali.
The Coleambally solar farm is expected to create 300 jobs, have an output capacity of 150MW and deliver emissions-free, renewable energy to more than 50,000 homes.
Approximately 560,000 solar panels will be installed on 550 hectares and, connecting to the national electricity grid.
The project is currently in the environmental assessment and connection studies phases of development.
Lynne Stuckings, chair of the Colaembally chamber of commerce, is hopeful it gets the go ahead.
“If it happens, it would be very good for the region. The prospect of cleaner, green energy can attract new businesses to Coleambally”.
Chris Leonard, Neoen’s head of solar development, is confident of gaining approval by Spring.
“It is impossible to pre-empt the final approval decision, but based on the timeframe of previous Neoen projects in NSW and the limited environmental impact of the project, Neoen is hopeful to secure a development approval by September 2017”.
He said the MIA will benefit in a number of ways.
“The project will create up to 300 jobs during construction, and approximately 7 ongoing jobs during operations. A large proportion of these is expected to be sourced locally.”
“The project is expected to stimulate local businesses as well, creating opportunities for accommodation and catering service providers in particular.”
“Neoen also intends to create a community fund with yearly funding during the life of the project’s operations, under a format still to be fine-tuned with the Murrumbidgee Shire Council.”
He expected construction to begin before the end of the year.
Energy Australia estimated the project will generate approximately 380,000-megawatt hours (MWh) of clean, renewable electricity into the national power grid annually, thereby contributing significantly to the reduction of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. This reduction will be the equivalent of taking 90,000 cars off the road or planting more than half a million trees.
Murrumbidgee Council said they will reserve comment on the project until it is approved.