Australian Solar Farms in 2024 – An Overview

Harnessing the Sun: Australia’s Solar Farms Set to Shine in 2024

As we continue our steadfast commitment to renewable energy, 2024 marks a pivotal year for Australia’s solar energy sector. With an increasing focus on sustainability and reduced carbon emissions, a host of groundbreaking solar farm projects are on the horizon. From vast expanses of desert to rolling farmlands, these projects are set to reshape Australia’s energy landscape and contribute significantly to the nation’s clean energy goals.

Bungala Solar Farm Expansion – South Australia

The Bungala Solar Farm, situated near Port Augusta in South Australia, is primed to undergo a significant expansion in 2024. This expansion will elevate Bungala’s status as one of the largest solar farms in the Southern Hemisphere. Once completed, the farm will cover an area of over 2,000 hectares, equivalent to more than 3,000 football fields.

The expansion will bring an additional capacity of around 300 megawatts (MW) to the grid, generating enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes. The Bungala Solar Farm exemplifies Australia’s commitment to transforming its abundant sunlight into a clean and sustainable energy source, further contributing to the state’s renewable energy targets.

Sunraysia Solar Farm – New South Wales

In the heart of New South Wales, the Sunraysia Solar Farm is gearing up for its grand debut in 2024. This ambitious project, spanning approximately 2,000 hectares near Balranald, aims to generate a staggering 1,200 MW of solar power once fully operational. To put this into perspective, the energy produced will be equivalent to powering an estimated 500,000 homes.

The Sunraysia Solar Farm’s cutting-edge technology includes solar tracking systems that follow the sun’s trajectory throughout the day, maximizing energy capture. Such innovations underscore Australia’s determination to utilize the latest advancements in solar technology, driving the nation toward a more sustainable energy future.

Western Downs Green Power Hub – Queensland

Queensland, known for its sunny climate and vast landscapes, is set to host the Western Downs Green Power Hub. This monumental project, located near Chinchilla, is scheduled to commence operations in 2024. The solar farm, spanning over 1,600 hectares, will have an impressive capacity of around 500 MW.

What sets the Western Downs Green Power Hub apart is its integration of battery storage technology. This allows the farm to store excess energy during peak production hours and release it during periods of high demand, ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply. The integration of energy storage reflects Australia’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy sources.

Yarrabee Solar Project – Victoria

In Victoria, the Yarrabee Solar Project is set to shine in 2024, contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals. This solar farm, located near the town of Echuca, will cover approximately 700 hectares and boast a capacity of around 250 MW. The Yarrabee Solar Project showcases how renewable energy projects can align with local communities, providing economic growth and employment opportunities.

What’s Next?

Australia’s solar farms scheduled for launch or expansion in 2024 are emblematic of the nation’s commitment to a more sustainable energy future. These projects not only harness the abundant solar resources that Australia is blessed with but also reflect a steadfast dedication to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning toward cleaner energy sources.

From the Bungala Solar Farm’s expansion in South Australia to the technological innovations of the Sunraysia Solar Farm in New South Wales, and the integration of energy storage at the Western Downs Green Power Hub in Queensland, these solar farms serve as beacons of progress. As the Yarrabee Solar Project emerges in Victoria, the ripple effect of these projects will undoubtedly extend beyond the energy sector, contributing to local economies and solidifying Australia’s role as a global leader in renewable energy innovation.

  1. Bungala Solar Farm – South Australia Website: Bungala Solar Farm
  2. Sunraysia Solar Farm – New South Wales Website: Sunraysia Solar Farm
  3. Western Downs Green Power Hub – Queensland Website: Western Downs Green Power Hub
  4. Yarrabee Solar Project – Victoria Website: Yarrabee Solar Project

Read More Solar News:

Cultana Solar Farm to go ahead

The Cultana solar farm will go ahead, having received planning approval from the South Australian government. Let’s take a closer look at the project. 

Cultana Solar Farm to go ahead

The Cultana solart farm will be a 280MW solar farm being developed by Simec Zen Energy Australia. The project is set to commence construction within the next 12 months. It’ll be constructed on land next to the Whyalla Steelworks, who are currently expanding via Sanjeev Gupta and GFG Alliance (and who will undoubtedly need more power in the coming months and years). 

Sanjeev Gupta and GFG Alliance’s $1b fund to help support solar power in the Whyalla will be tapped for the Cultana project – despite some blowback from Adani Renewables who have bizarrely asked that the project be assessed by the Federal Department of the Environment under the EBPC Act. Adani have raised concerns about the potential impact on animals such as the threatened western grass wren and the slender-billed thornbill. They also discussed the problems with impact to Aboriginal heritage, dust, and traffic impacts. Seems strange given their own project will undoubtedly be scrutinized for the same reasons, but they must have a plan…

The project was signed off by SA Minister for Planning Stephan Knoll who put some restrictions on the approval. Simec have been asked to submit Environmental Management Plans for the construction and the operation phases of the Cultana Solar Farm. 

According to RenewEconomy, the $350M project will generate 600GWh of electricity per annum. This project is tipped to create 350 jobs during construction and 10 ongoing operations solar jobs after it’s completed. It’s expected to contribute savings of 492,000 tonnes of co2 emissions per year. 

Cultana (source: rowanramsey.com.au)

“There is a great future for energy‐intensive industries in Australia,” Sanjeev Gupta was quoted as saying. 

“This the first step in GFG leading the country’s industrial transition to more competitive energy.”

Read More Solar News:

New England Solar Farm

UPC Renewables Australia is developing the New England Solar Farm, a major grid-connected solar farm in the Uralla Shire. Let’s take a look at the project and some of the opposition it’s currently up against.

New England Solar Farm

New England Solar Farm (source:newenglandsolarfarm.com.au)
New England Solar Farm Proposed Location (source:newenglandsolarfarm.com.au)

The 2700ha project will be 600-800MW depending on what approval UPC are able to get from the Uralla Shire Council. They’ve promised $150,000 – $200,000 a year for 25 years for the local community to go towards funding, partnerships, education, tourism and more. 

According to the official website, up to 500 jobs will be made during the construction of the solar farm (around 36 months) and if the New England Solar Farm ends up with battery storage (which is looking very possible), more jobs will be created. 

The farm is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power around 250,000 homes in New South Wales.

New England Solar Farm Opposition

We’ve seen a bit of solar farm opposition lately – it’s good to see companies being held to account, but the legitimacy of the claims seem to vary quite widely. The proposed New England Solar Farm has resulted in the creation of The Uralla, Walcha Community Action Group for Responsible Solar and Wind Development, a group of residents who would like the southern side of the project to be cancelled, citing social, economic and environmental impacts.

“It’s obvious that the north west more than anywhere else in the state has more at risk,” the group’s advisor Mark Fogarty said in comments repeated by the Northern Daily Leader.

“Therefore it’s imperative that the community entrust with the councils the right planning authority to ensure the balance between development and community interest.”

In response, UPC Renewables have reduced the project’s southern area by 50%, according to Killian Wentrup from UPC. 

“Landowners across the proposed site and many others in the wider community support our plans and the benefits it can bring to Uralla,” he said. 

As another example, the Bookaar solar farm was rejected last year. There’s no news on reapplying on their website, with a news article on their site noting that the Corangamite Shire will ‘miss out on local jobs and $150m of investment’. It’s a bit of a touchy subject as there are certainly some farms which need to go back to the drawing board before they’re approved, but there is also a surfeit of NIMBYs with some…interesting ideas as to what people should be able to do with their own property. 

Read More Solar News:

Sunshine Energy Project groundbreaking ceremony.

The Sunshine Energy project in south east Queensland had its groundbreaking ceremony last week. Not everybody’s happy about it, though. Let’s take a look at the plans for the farm and its opposition.

Sunshine Energy Project groundbreaking ceremony.

Sunshine Energy Project groundbreaking ceremony.
Sunshine Energy Project groundbreaking ceremony. (source: Twitter @GlennButcherMP)

The Sunshine Energy project is a 1500MW solar energy facility with 500MW storage planned. There is a provision to extend the farm to 200MW so we will see what happens after the farm is launched and its output measured. It’ll be built by Sunshine Energy Australia Pty Ltd who will invest ~$2.5m USD in the project. 

Glenn Butcher, member for Gladstone and Assistant Minister for Treasury, posted up a picture of the groundbreaking ceremony on his Twitter account, saying “Queensland is continuing to lead the country with solar projects. Early ground breaking ceremony today for Sunshine Energy Australia’s $2 billion 1500 megawatt (MW) solar farm, with a 500 MW battery storage.”

However there has been some solar farm oppositionaccording to Solar Quotes, local resident Anthony Crombie has launched legal action to try and retract the Sunshine Energy Project’s approval. Mr. Crombie will see Somerset Council and Sunshine Energy Australia in the Planning and Environment Court this year. If you’d like to see his Change.org petition (currently supported by 241 people) please click here. It looks like the usual issues with residents and nearby solar farms are being cited. The usage of ‘prime beef cattle grazing land’ for a solar farm is also disputed. 

As per his petition, Mr Crombie is worried that the solar farm will ruin the scenic D’Aguilar Highway and be an eyesore: “(the) size and scale of the development will render the rural landscape unrecognizable.” He’s also concerned about 80 heavy vehicles driving on the highway, as there are few passing lanes and it has already been acknowledged as being ‘dangerous and problematic’ according to an RACQ survey.

Supporter comment on the petition: “These disgraceful things are heavily subsidised and cannot compete with Coal or Gas..If we export Coal and other countries use it efficiently why can’t we.?”

Any thoughts on that one? Sound off in the comments. You can also follow the case as it goes through the courts by clicking on this link.

 

Read More Solar News:

Recycling Solar Panels | What to do with old solar panels.

Recycling solar panels is a topic which will be a lot more prevalent as the initial ‘wave’ panels begin to reach their end of life. Let’s take a look at what the plans are for trying to minimise the environmental impact and maximise the value  of a used solar panel.

Recycling Solar Panels | Will there be a waste crisis for old panels?

Australia has one of the highest PV solar uptakes in the world. There are plenty of us who have had solar installed for a long time. So long, in fact, that people are talking about end of life strategies to dispose of/ repurpose solar panels, so that they don’t cause a problem for the environment. 

Total Environment Centre director Jeff Angel has been crusading for the implementation of such strategies for solar panels, calling it a ‘systemic problem’:

“We’ve had a solar panel industry for years which is an important environmental initiative, and it should have been incumbent on government to act in concert with the growth of the industry so we have an environmentally responsible end-of-life strategy,” he said in a quote to the Sydney Morning Herald.

We’ve written previously about solar panel recycling and, although it’s good to see things like the ELSi project in Germany, there’s still a ways to go before we figure out the best way forward to recycle solar waste.

Reclaim PV: Recycling Solar Panels
Reclaim PV: Recycling Solar Panels (source: reclaimpv.com)

According to the director of Reclaim PV (the only dedicated photovoltaic recycler in Australia), Clive Fleming, they company recycles 90 per cent of materials in a panel. The company has been lobbying for state bans on landfill disposal of solar panels. 

Australian Council of Recycling chief executive Peter Schmigel also had a quote in the SMH about how a proper plan for recycling PV cells could have a positive effect on the economy:

“Recovery rates have been out of sight since the beginning of the scheme, nobody has said anything at all about there being an inbuilt recycling cost. It generates jobs, it generates environmental outcomes and yet for some reason we have policymakers who are hesitant about [establishing similar schemes] for solar PVs and batteries,” he said.

We expect over the coming year or two we’ll hear a lot more about this, with Sustainability Victoria working on a ‘national approach to photovoltaic product stewardship’, with their recommendations presented to the environment ministers around the middle of this year. 

Victoria have already announced they’ll ban electronic waste in landfill from July 2019, so it’ll be interesting to see if/how the other states follow suit.
 

Read More Solar News: