New 88MW solar farm development to support hundreds of QLD jobs

A new 88MW solar farm will soon rise to power Mount Isa’s North West Minerals Province in Queensland following APA Group’s announcement of Final Investment Decision (FID) for the first stage of this renewable energy project. 

APA Group is investing approximately $80 million to deliver Stage 1 of the Mica Creek Solar Farm, which will have a capacity of 44MW. 

“We're backing businesses, backing renewable energy, and the North West Minerals Province as we keep delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19. 

“The North West region is a significant part of Queensland’s resource-based economy and, with its endowment of new economy minerals, will play an important part in helping propel the boom in emerging technologies,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said. 

The delivery of this new solar farm is underpinned by a 15-year offtake agreement signed by APA Group and its existing customer, MMG Dugald River (MMG). This agreement will get the Mica Creek Solar Farm to supply renewable energy to MMG’s operations. 

In addition, APA Group has also signed a 32-year lease agreement with the Queensland Government for the construction of the new solar farm on a 198-hectare site located near the company’s Diamantina Power Station Complex. 

“APA has been working with Economic Development Queensland in relation to a lease to support the solar farm, and are very pleased to work with the Queensland Government to continue our strong relationship and support the ongoing development of the North West Minerals Province. 

“The site is perfect because it is adjacent to APA’s existing gas and power generation assets, which delivers reliable and affordable power to the region. 

“As a proud Australian business with significant investments in renewable energy across the country, we are delighted to grow our renewables portfolio and continue our proud track record of delivering affordable and reliable power to the North West Minerals Province,” APA Group CEO and Managing Director Rob Wheals said. 

Stage 1 of the Mica Creek Solar Farm is expected to be up and running by the first quarter of 2023, while the project developer is in advanced discussions with several customers that can possibly commit to the development of Stage 2 – which will deliver a further 44MW. 

“The Mica Creek Solar Farm will deliver lower emissions power underpinned by the reliability of APA’s gas-fired power, while reducing the average cost and emissions of power across Mount Isa. 

“As always, we will continue to work with our customers to support their requirements, consistent with APA’s purpose to strengthen communities through responsible energy,” Mr Wheals said. 

This new renewable energy project is anticipated to generate 300 jobs at peak construction period and employing between one to five people once operational, providing a significant boost to employment and economic activity in the region. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning; APA Group; Renew Economy; Australian Mining; Inside Construction