Infinergy Pacific will file a development application with the state government this month, and construction could begin later this year.

The 300 hectare, 100-plus megawatt plant, based in Amridale, will produce enough energy to power about 40,000 homes, almost two-thirds of all houses in the New England.

Up to 150 construction jobs and about 12 ongoing operational jobs will be created if the project is approved.

The Mets Solar Farm will be located about 20 kilometres east of Armidale along Waterfall Way.

And over the facility’s 30-year lifespan, it is expected to save about 225,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

The farm is the first project for the Australian company.

Armidale-based engineer David Ross said the team surveyed potential sites from Victoria through to Northern NSW and found the Armidale region to be an ideal location.

“The sun in this area is really good,” Mr Ross said.

“It’s got powerlines with the capacity to take the power away.

“And there is virtually no timber that needs to be removed.”

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said renewable energy was taking off in a big way and he was proud of his region for leading the way.

“This is incredibly exciting for our region and our state,” he said.

“The project further confirms that our region in the Northern Tablelands is a real leader in renewables.”

The project will go on public exhibition once the development application is lodged.

But Mr Marshall said he was confident it would move forward.

“It’s very much in line with other applications that have been approved,” he said.

The farm could also use a single access tracking system that would allow each panel to follow the sun and increase efficiency.