Goldwind Australia is proposing to develop a 20 megawatt solar development adjacent to the White Rock Wind Farm near Glen Innes.
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The pioneering hybrid solar/wind renewable energy facility is planned to comprise installation of a solar farm and share significant infrastructure with the wind farm, including the grid connection, access tracks and some internal electrical cabling.
Goldwind Australia, who own the White Rock wind farm, say the potential for the solar farm to share infrastructure with the wind farm maximises the use of available facilities without requiring construction of additional facilities elsewhere.
Goldwind Australia Managing Director John Titchen said co-location of the project potentially unlocks over $5 million of savings.
“It is anticipated that around 46,000 megawatt hours (MWh) would be generated by the scheme each year, which is sufficient to power 6,300 NSW homes annually,” he said.
“Through use of local suppliers and contractors, the project would bring additional investment in the local economy in conjunction with White Rock Wind Farm.
“It is anticipated that approximately 50 hectares would be required by the solar infrastructure.”
Federal member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the White Rock Solar Farm has been shortlisted to receive funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
"The proposal is one of 22 that will go to full application stage to share in the $100 million in funding through ARENA,” he said.
“The short-listed proposals were chosen from a very strong field demonstrating Australia is ready to invest in utility-scale renewable energy options suited to the 21st century.”
Goldwind Australia Vice President of Program John Gardner said the proposal for a solar project at White Rock represents an innovative approach to hybrid renewable energy generation.
“Wind and solar generation are well matched based on the different sources of energy and generation throughout daily and yearly cycles,” he said.
“We are looking forward to working with stakeholders, landowners and the community to further this exciting opportunity”.
Assuming all necessary approvals are secured, construction of the solar farm is planned to start in early 2017.
