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Australian Solar Farms in 2024 – An Overview

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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

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Moyhall Solar Farm built by Terregra in SA.

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Indonesia’s Terregra Renewables is set to construct a second solar farm in South Australia – with the Moyhall Solar Farm to commence construction in March for an August 2019 completion date.

Terregra and the Moyhall Solar Farm

Indonesian renewable company Terregra are set to construct a second solar farm in South Australia – with the Moyhall Solar Farm set to join the previously announced Mobilong solar farm as Terregra’s second Australian solar project. 

According to their official website, Terregra Renewables are hoping to have 300MW of operating renewable power by 2023. They work on delivering off grid solar power to Indonesia’s remote arreas, and they are also create energy on a utility scale for urban/industrial areas. 

“The Moyhall Solar Farm is another addition to Terregra’s growing pipeline of solar projects,” Graham Pearson, Director of Terregra Renewables, told PV Magazine Australia.

The 5MW Moyhall Solar Farm will include 16,000 PV modules and two inverters, installed inside containers. According to PV Magazine, the $16m Terregra has invested in South Australian solar will create approximately 80 jobs during the constructions of the Moyhall Solar Farm and the Mobilong Solar Farm. These ‘smaller’ type utility-scale investments are often very interesting for investors so Terregra shouldn’t have much trouble finding interest in the solar farms. The Mobilong Solar Farm has appointed Balance Utility Solutions to carry out EPC work on the farm, according to PV Magazine. 

“Balance is delighted to be working with Terregra Renewables on the delivery of their first solar project in Australia,” said Rod Hayes, Managing Director of Balance Utility Solutions.

“We expect this approach of close developer and EPC early collaboration, and a focus on portfolios of smaller scale projects, to be a growing trend through the next few years as the utility scale solar market continues to mature.”

SA Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan discussed the impact Terregra’s investment will have on the community:

“Terregra Renewables’ $7.6 million investment will increase South Australia’s energy supply, stimulate the local economy and create local jobs,” said Minister van Holst Pellekaan.

You can learn more about Terregra Asia Energy by viewing their company profile below.

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Bright Acre Energy – Solar IPO, 2019 Plans

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European solar project developer Wirsol Energy have an Australian arm known as Bright Acre Energy. The company has been working on a $500m IPO of their Aussie solar portfolio, but news is thin on the ground lately. Let’s take a look at what to expect from BAE in 2019.

Bright Acre Energy $500m Australian Solar IPO

Bright Acre Energy Gannawarra Solar Farm
Bright Acre Energy Gannawarra Solar Farm (source: brightacreenergy.com.au)

Bright Acre Energy have ten projects in various stages of completion, situated in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. According to the Australian Financial Review, the projects are set to fully connect to the national power grid by the end of 2019. These five projects will total over 1100MW, which is enough electricity to power 350,000+ houses. The official site names the farms as currently having 397MWp of nameplate capacity, with half of this commercially operational and the other half ‘almost there’. 

Former Australian rugby union player Bill Calcraft was the CEO last year, and along with Gerard Dover the site has them listed as ‘Proposed Management’ – so not sure what this means for 2019 – and there hasn’t been any specific news on their potential IPO. We’ve reached out to the team and will keep you updated if we find out anything about Bright Acre’s plans for the rest of the year. 

Bright Acre Energy are currently responsible for the following projects, as per their website:

  • Hamilton Solar Farm (Collinsville, QLD) (Operational) (69MWp)
  • Whitsunday Solar Farm (Collinsville, QLD) (Operational) (69MWp)
  • Clermont Solar Farm (Clermont, QLD) (Near-term Operational) (89MWp)
  • Springdale Solar Farm (Springdale, NSW) (Pipeline) (120MWp)
  • Bomen Solar Farm (Bomen, NSW) (Pipeline) (120MWp)
  • Hay Solar Farm (Hay, NSW) (Pipeline) (140 MWp)
  • Buronga Energy Station (Buronga, NSW) (Pipeline) (400MWp)
  • Wemen Solar Farm aka Wemen Sun Farm (Wemen, NSW) (Near-term Operational) (110MWp)
  • Gannawarra Energy Storage System (Kerang, VIC) (25MW/50MWh)
  • Gannawarra Solar Farm (Kerang, VIC) (60MWp)

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Summerhill solar farm commences construction.

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The 5MW Summerhill solar farm will officially commence construction tomorrow – the farm will be located at the former Wallsend Borehole Colliery. 

Summerhill solar farm

Summerhill Solar Farm
Summerhill Solar Farm – Artist’s Rendition (source: smh.com.au)

All the renewable energy created by the Summerhill solar farm will be owned by the Newcastle City Council who will then be approximately 50% powered by renewable energy. 

Carnegie’s wholly owned subsidiary Energy Made Clean and JV partner Lendlease have been awarded the design and construction of the project, according to PV Magazine. It’ll be built on top of the former Wallsend Borehole Colliery. Read more about the tender here. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the solar plant’s cost is around $8m, with $6.5m of this provided in the form of a loan by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

Initial modelling shows that this plant will save around $350,000 per annum, also noting that the city council’s cost of electricity has double over the past few years – making this a very attractive option to help offset the highly volatile wholesale price of electricity. It’s listed as ‘battery ready’ according to the Altenergy website. 

Nuatali Nelmes, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, discussed the project in a media statement:

“The solar farm will produce enough energy to run the equivalent of all of our council facilities during the day, which represents significant environmental returns for ratepayers and millions of dollars in savings on electricity costs,” Mayor Nelmes said.

Further discussion shows that, although financial ramifications are very important, the eco-friendly nature of the project was ‘more than just money’:

“While cost savings are certainly a critical factor in our decision to build the solar farm, sustainability initiatives are about more than just money and our community expects us to be good environmental stewards,” Ms Nelmes continued.

This is a fantastic attitude and we look forward to seeing how well the SUmmerhill solar farm performs for the Newcastle City Council. More top news for council solar, which has been growing in leaps and bounds over the last 18 months. 

Read some more articles about council solar below!

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Melbourne Water Solar Tenders

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Melbourne Water has announced a tender for two solar systems so they’re able to power to water treatment plans. Expressions of interest are now welcome.

Melbourne Water Solar Tenders

Melbourne Water Solar Tender
Melbourne Water Solar Tender

State-owned Melbourne Water have announced that they want to be carbon neutral by 2030,so this is a step in the right direction. The expressions of interest are for design, construction, and operation of two solar facilities at the Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) in Carrum Downs, and also the Winneke Water Treatment Plant in the Yarra Valley. 

This is a “practical way for Melbourne Water to cut its greenhouse gas emissions, and tackle climate change”, according to the utility. 

According to the tender, the systems will need >30 gigawatt-hours per year for the ETP, and 12GWh from Winneke. The ETP treats approximately 330 million litres of sewage a day – which is 40% of Melbourne’s total sewage. This is an extremely energy intensive task so it’s fantastic to see the utility come up with a plan to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero by 2030. Australia’s solar power future is looking bright!

The official website has a link to the Expression of Interest with some interesting quotes:

“Melbourne Water is committed to reducing its net carbon emissions to zero by 2030.

The proposed solar farms are one initiative designed to help meet this ambitious goal and will play a role alongside other projects including hydro-power stations and the transition of Melbourne Water’s car fleet to zero emissions vehicles” the tender reads.

We’ve seen plenty of council solar over the last year and it’s fantastic to see state governments also working hard on minimising Australia’s carbon footprint.

Expressions of interest to provide solar power to Melbourne Water will close on November 27. The company are hoping to make their choice by May of 2019.

For further information please call 1800 931 978 or email via [email protected]

 

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