Broken Hill Plant Hits Full Generation
The Broken Hill Solar Plant in western New South Wales has ramped up to full generation for the first time, sending 53 MW of renewable energy into the National Electricity Market.
This latest milestone, which was the result of pre-commissioning activities and more than 300,000 hours of onsite work, came a few days after ARENA, AGL and First Solar joined the NSW Government at a ceremony to install the plant’s final panels.
Acting ARENA CEO Ian Kay congratulated AGL and First Solar on the significant achievement.
“The compressed commissioning phase, which has resulted in full generation at the Broken Hill plant, sends a positive signal for large-scale solar in Australia and is further proof that it’s possible to speed up project development by drawing on existing experience and expertise,” Mr Kay said.
Video footage of Mr Kay addressing the final panel event on Monday is now available.
The Hon. Greg Hunt, Federal Minister for the Environment said the Government was investing in renewable innovation and technology to reduce emissions and reduce electricity prices.
“Through projects like this one, we are helping Australians do their bit for the environment without increasing the cost of living for families. The AGL Solar Project, when completed, will power 50,000 Australian households with renewable energy,” Mr Hunt said
The Broken Hill solar plant will produce enough renewable energy to power 17,000 homes every year. To date $15 million has been injected into the local Broken Hill community for direct construction activities as well as indirectly through workers purchasing accommodation, food, petrol and other supplies locally.
