New 162MW solar farm in QLD to support 400 jobs during construction

Approximately 400 jobs are set to be supported through the delivery of the multi-million-dollar 162MW Columboola Solar Farm in south-west Queensland and construction on this new renewable energy project is set to begin soon. 

“Queensland has an economic plan for post-COVID recovery and affordable, reliable energy supply underpins that plan. 

“That plan includes investing in traditional infrastructure and supporting the renewables industry because that supports jobs,” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said. 

The commencing of works follows the signing of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with CS Energy – a State Government-owned utility – enabling the company to acquire 100 per cent of the solar farm’s output. 

Project developer Luminous Energy has also announced financial close for the project as well as the sale of the Columboola Solar Farm to Hana Financial Investment. 

“Australia is a major market in the global solar revolution and the country’s solar industry has huge potential. This project showcases how innovation can help secure an impactful and prestigious PPA, such as that with CS Energy, and interest from a world class investor, such as Hana Financial Investment. It supports our vision to accelerate the growth of the global solar industry by generating low cost, reliable electricity while respecting the natural environment,” Luminous Energy CEO Jolyon Orchard said. 

Columboola Solar Farm is going to be built between Chinchilla and Miles, in the State’s Western Downs region. 

The large-scale solar farm is expected to produce enough green energy to power up to 100,000 homes.

With CS Energy to acquire about 450GWh of the solar farm’s output each year, it will be able to supply clean and affordable energy to Queenslanders, large commercial and industrial retail clients as well as a number of universities, including Griffith University, CQUniversity and QUT – which are all CS Energy customers. 

“Through this PPA CS Energy continues to diversify our portfolio and offer our retail customers renewable generation as part of their energy supply. 

“We’re excited to facilitate further renewable energy development in Queensland and help move the state closer to achieving its goal of 50 per cent renewables by 2030,” CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said. 

The renewable energy project will feature solar technology including bifacial panels that absorb light from both front and back together with single axis trackers that follow the sun. 

The Columboola Solar Farm is going to be built by contractor Sterling and Wilson. The project is due to be completed by the end of next year. 

Source: Queensland Government; Luminous Energy (1, 2); Renew Economy; Inside Construction; PV Magazine Australia