Construction underway at Moree Solar Farm

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), a developer of global solar energy projects, has officially started constructing the 56 MWac (70 MWp) Moree Solar Farm in regional NSW. The project’s sod-turning event was attended yesterday by Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) CEO Ivor Frischknecht, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, State MLA for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy Leslie Williams MLA and Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Katrina Humphries.

In a first for large-scale solar in Australia, the plant will use a single-axis horizontal tracking system, where panels follow the sun across the sky to maximise power output. It will deliver an estimated 130 local jobs during the construction phase over 2014-2016 and, once completed, generate enough energy to supply 15,000 average NSW homes.

Frischknecht said the plant “stands to advance solar technology and contribute to the energy mix of tomorrow”. In light of this, the agency is providing $101 million to support the $164 million project, which is set to be one of the largest solar farms in Australia.

“ARENA is very pleased to have been part of this collaborative journey with FRV, the Moree community and the various other stakeholders,” Frischknecht said.

“As with all ARENA-supported projects, we will work with FRV to share the knowledge and expertise gained in delivering this project with the rest of the industry.”

ARENA is helping to overcome the challenges currently facing large-scale solar by funding projects like the Moree Solar Farm and the AGL solar project. According to Frischknecht, “The knowledge gained through the construction and operation of these power stations will help overcome first-mover disadvantage and allow large-scale solar to play a greater role in Australia’s electricity markets.”

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