Rodds Bay Solar Farm issues Notice to Proceed (NTP) to Powerlink
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Press release
2 April 2020 On 31 March 2020, Rodds Bay Solar Farm (Rodds Bay) achieved a significant milestone by issuing the Notice To Proceed (NTP) under its connection agreement with Powerlink Queensland.
Rodds Bay is a 300MWdc project developed by Renew Estate and will be one of Australia’s largest solar projects. It will connect to a strong part of Queensland’s 275kV transmission network south of Gladstone between Bororen and Rodds Bay. Rodds Bay has been granted planning approval from Gladstone Regional Council including approval to develop an 82MW I 164MWh battery on site. The project has passed the required tests relating to system strength and generator performance standards and signed a connection agreement with Powerlink in January. Construction is scheduled to commence by Q3/Q4 2020, making this one of the most advanced solar developments in Queensland that can now be accelerated into construction. Tom Harrison, Director of Renew Estate, commented “We have enjoyed a close working relationship with Powerlink over the past 2½ years and are very happy to be moving into the next stage of this project. I would like to thank the entire Powerlink team for working so collaboratively with us to realise the project, even amidst the exceptional challenges we have all faced over the past few weeks.” Simon Currie, Director of Renew Estate, commented “We continue to passionately believe that this project will deliver significant and impactful benefits not just to Gladstone, but also the wider regional economy in Queensland across 2020 and 2021. Our vision for this solar farm has always been to create positive and enduring social and economic legacies, including the creation of hundreds of jobs during construction. It will be one of the first renewable energy projects located close to Gladstone and will play a pivotal role in enabling Gladstone to become the future energy capital of Australia. We are very grateful for the support from the Powerlink team throughout the development cycle.” Mr Currie continued, “Renew Estate’s commitment since the beginning of this project to use local service providers, contractors and industry remains steadfast. We currently have nearly 400 businesses and individuals on our database who have registered an interest in the construction or operational phase of the solar farm. This project can play a part in transitioning the local skilled workforce and build resiliency in this critical region for the Queensland economy.” About us: Renew Estate is a joint venture between Wirsol (part of the WIRCON Group), Energy Estate and Beast Solutions. Renew Estate successfully developed the 120MWdc Bomen Solar Farm in NSW which was acquired by Spark Infrastructure in 2019. The Bomen Solar Farm has recently completed construction and is close to commencing commercial operations. Renew Estate is an Australian company which develops renewable energy projects with long term benefits for Australia. It is passionate about ensuring considered use of land and delivering shared and tangible benefits to the communities that host its projects. For more information please visit: www.renewestate.com. WIRSOL Energy Pty Ltd (WIRSOL) has been a major player in the large-scale renewable energy market since its creation in 2013. Starting in Germany as a subsidiary of the WIRCON Group, the company has grown to develop, construct and operate integrated renewable energy systems, including utility scale solar PV projects, across Europe and now as one of the market leaders in Australia. For additional information please visit our website www.wirsol.com.au. Energy Estate is an advisory firm and business accelerator, focused on driving the transformation of the global energy sector. The team brings together experts across the industry, giving us an understanding of the energy sector that is collaborative, innovative and holistic. For more information please visit: http://www.energyestate.com. For enquiries please contact: Doug Smith Director doug.smith@energyestate.com +61 425 111 222 |
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