First Solar to provide solar power projects for AGL under Solar Flagships Program

First Solar has announced that it will supply, construct and maintain large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects totalling 159 MW_AC for AGL, following AGL’s selection as the successful proponent in the solar PV category of the Solar Flagships Program independent reassessment process.

First Solar will provide AGL with two integrated PV power plants, including engineering, procurement and construction services, along with more than two million advanced thin-film PV modules, at two locations in NSW - a 106 MW_AC project in Nyngan and a 53 MW_AC project in Broken Hill.

First Solar will maintain both projects for their first five years of commercial operation. The electricity produced by the projects will be sold under power purchase agreements to AGL Hydro Partnership, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL.

The projects will be supported with funding provided by the federal and NSW governments, under separate funding agreements.

“We applaud the federal and NSW governments for their commitment to the Solar Flagships Program and the utility-scale solar industry in Australia, which has such significant potential,” said Jack Curtis, Vice President of Business Development and Sales, First Solar.

On an annual basis, the projects will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of at least 30,000 homes. The projects are expected to provide approximately 350 GWh of energy annually.

The projects are also expected to create approximately 450 jobs at peak construction. Construction is expected to begin on both projects in 2014, with commercial operation in 2015. AGL will be the majority owner of the project vehicle.

“AGL is delighted to be working with the Commonwealth and NSW governments, the people of Broken Hill and Nyngan, and our project partner First Solar to deliver these significant renewable energy projects. These projects represent a tremendous opportunity for AGL and the broader solar industry to begin the rollout of solar power as a meaningful source of generation supply in Australia,” said Michael Fraser, AGL’s Managing Director.