Tasmania is set to embark on a new era in renewable energy with the construction of a massive solar farm capable of powering up to 70,000 homes.
The Northern Midlands Solar Farm will be the state’s fourth-largest energy generator, producing 288MW of power at full capacity, only behind the Gordon and Poatina hydropower stations and Tamar Valley Power Station.
Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said an agreement where Hydro Tasmania purchase energy generated at the new $500 million solar farm had been “locked in”.
“This is a significant project that will diversify our state’s renewable energy generation mix and support job creation and economic growth in the local community during construction and once commissioned,” he said.
“We know that as our state grows, our energy demand is also growing. We also know we will need more energy to continue to meet Tasmania’s needs.”
The solar farm at Connorville Estates near Cressy is expected to create 370 jobs during the construction phase, which is scheduled to begin in the coming months and be completed by 2027.
Duigan said it is a step towards the government’s Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target to double on-island renewable generation by 2040.
Tasmanian-based integrated renewable energy company TasRex will develop the solar farm.
CEO Bess Clark said the company was thankful to have the support of Hydro in signing the “critical” agreement.
“This transformative project redefines the possibilities for solar energy development in Tasmania,” she said.
“TasRex is excited about the benefits this project will bring to Tasmania, enabling more local clean energy and supporting local jobs for decades to come”.
The project will be agri-solar, meaning sheep grazing and wool production can continue on the property.
Labor have welcomed the announcement, saying Tasmanian industrial businesses are desperately “crying out” for more energy generation.
The Greens say while they support its development, they want to see transparency on how much Hydro Tasmania has agreed to pay for the power.
