Manildra Solar Farm to service NSW

Electricity supply in NSW is set to be boosted with the construction of a $100 million solar farm in the small town of Manildra. The 48.5 MW AC project will utilise approximately 466,000 First Solar thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules and single-axis tracking technology, which is expected to produce more than 120,000 MWh of electricity in its first year of operation — enough to serve the needs of 14,000 average NSW homes and displace more than 91,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Located one kilometre east of Manildra in regional NSW, the solar farm will benefit directly from existing solar supply chains, as well as operations and maintenance hubs. It will also provide economic benefits to the region through the creation of direct and indirect jobs, supporting small business and developing regional skills in a growing industry.

The Manildra Solar Farm is being supported by $9.8 million of grant funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). First Solar has entered into a 13-year power purchase agreement with EnergyAustralia for the generated electricity and large-scale generation certificates, while RCR O’Donnell Griffin has been appointed for the engineering, procurement and construction of the project. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2017 and to be completed next year.