Moree Solar Farm delivers to the grid

Moree Solar Farm, located in Northern NSW, reached a milestone yesterday after successfully achieving first generation. The farm is now feeding 56 MW of renewable solar energy into the National Electricity Market — enough to power 15,000 average homes.

Developed by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), Moree Solar Farm is said to be the largest polycrystalline solar farm in Australia. It utilises a single-axis horizontal tracking system, where panels follow the sun across the sky to maximise power output.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $101.7 million funding support to Moree Solar Farm as well as driving knowledge sharing about the lessons learned during planning, design and construction. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has meanwhile provided a debt finance commitment of $46 million.

CEFC CEO Oliver Yates said that by taking an abundant natural renewable resource and harnessing it to provide clean energy for our cities, Moree Solar Farm is demonstrating how solar is set to play a major role in transforming Australia’s energy future while diversifying our regional economy.

“The Moree Solar Farm also demonstrated how innovative merchant energy based financing can be used to finance large-scale renewable energy projects in Australia,” Yates said.

“The CEFC is pleased to see that each project built is more efficient and cost-effective than the last and that this trend is continuing in Australia and around the world.  As prices continue to fall, Australia will be able to tap this sustainable competitive resource to power the economy.”

Around a year since commencing construction on the farm, and one month away from full completion, FRV CEO Rafael Benjumea said his company is proud to have delivered the project on time and on budget.

“First generation at the plant is a great achievement and represents more than six years of continued work from our Australian office through the development, financing and construction activities,” he said.

“FRV believes there is strong market support for large-scale solar in Australia and is looking forward to celebrating first generation from some of our other developed sites in the coming years.”

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