THE PROJECT
The Solar Flagships program is intended to provide the foundations for large scale, grid-connected, solar power to play a significant role in Australia’s electricity supply.
Consortium partners Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), Pacific Hydro and BP Solar applied for funding under the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology category in round one of the program and was successfully shortlisted in May 2010. On June 18th 2011 the Government announced that our consortium has been successful and was chosen to develop Australia’s first utility-scale solar PV project.The Commonwealth Government decided to re-open the bids under the Solar Flagships program in February 2012.
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) and Pacific Hydro resubmitted their updated bid on 24 February 2012 following BP Solar’s decision to exit the global solar market
Based in Moree, NSW, the project is set to be one of the world’s largest solar PV generation facilities.
The proposal is to develop this ground-breaking utility scale solar power plant using multi crystalline solar PV technology mounted on single-axis trackers to optimize performance. For more information on the technology employed please visit our Press Room and view the animations.
The installation will provide a demonstration of the viability of utility scale solar projects in Australia. It will also address a number of key research issues, including enhancing the understanding of the interaction of utility scale solar with the Australian grid.
The plant to be based near Moree in north-west NSW will operate for at least 25 years. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2012.
The project will deliver multiple benefits to various stakeholders including:
- Driving positive economic outcomes by:
- Creating many employment opportunities both in and around Moree
- Attracting additional tourists to Moree and thus complementing the popular artesian spa experience
- Delivering additional indirect economic opportunities
- Creating new educational and skills based training opportunities
- Delivering new clean electricity to meet Australia’s increasing energy needs and providing enough solar power for approximately 45,000 homes
- Reducing the town’s reliance on agriculture
- Creating opportunities for the indigenous community
- Furthering the development of the Australian solar PV industry