Thin-film producer First Solar has been awarded the module supply contract for Australia’s largest solar plant.
The 140MW PV facility will be located in North Queensland, utilising more than 1,167,000 Frist Solar advanced thin-film modules. It will also produce a mammoth 270,000MWh of clean energy in its first year alone. The project will supply electricity to the zinc refinery of its developer, Sun Metals.
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RCR Tomlinson will assume EPC responsibilities for the project, with construction scheduled to begin in April this year.
“Large-scale solar is fast becoming one of the most cost-effective sources of energy generation in Australia. This project represents the viability of the commercial and industrial solar market in Australia, and the growing trend of major energy consumers owning and operating renewable energy assets,” said Jack Curtis, First Solar’s regional manager for Asia Pacific.
First Solar has a significant market foothold in Australia, being the country’s leading module supplier for large-scale solar projects.
“The performance and reliability advantages inherent to First Solar’s technology in Australia are well known, and we’re pleased to support this historic project,” added Curtis.
First Solar modules are ideal for the Australian climate due to their lower temperature coefficient, linear shading and spectral response, claimed the firm. These features work particularly well in humid climates like those found in Townsville, where the plant will be located. Overall, First Solar technology in this case will ensure a higher energy output over the operational life of the project, according to the company.
In other large-scale news, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) announced this week that it has signed a power purchase agreement with Ergon Energy — the Queensland Government-owned electricity retailer — for the proposed 100MW (125MW DC) Lilyvale Solar Farm project.
