Australia possesses abundant solar resources due to its geographic location and climatic conditions. However, in order to harness theses resources, generation technology needs to be able to withstand the unique environmental challenges our climate presents. Utility looks at how innovative cable solutions tackled termite damage and ensured longevity at the 245MW Avonlie Solar Farm.
Situated close to the equator, the Australia receives intense sunlight throughout the year. The country’s vast landmass and predominantly arid terrain ensure minimal cloud cover, maximizing sunlight exposure; and, furthermore, Australia’s clear skies and low atmospheric pollution enhance solar irradiance levels. These factors combine to create optimal conditions for solar energy generation.
Establishing solar farms in Australia yields significant environmental benefits. By harnessing abundant sunlight, these farms generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This transition to solar power helps combat climate change, mitigating environmental degradation and preserving ecosystems.
Electrifying the future
The Avonlie Solar Farm is a large solar generation facility located in Narrandera, New South Wales. The project comprises of more than 450,000 solar panels, with a total energy output capacity of approximately 245MW(DC).
The project received development approval from the Department of Planning & Environment in August 2019, siteworks commenced early December 2021 and the project began commercial operation in 2023.
Avonlie Solar Farm is directly connected to a dual 132kV grid connection, which passes through the project site about 20km south of Narrandera.
The Avonlie Solar Farm is expected to generate approximately 500GW/h of renewable energy per year, providing a diversified supply of low-cost clean energy to approximately 100,000 homes.
In alignment with Nexans’ vision to electrify the future and work towards the new world of sustainable electrification – decarbonised, renewable, and accessible to everyone – Nexans supplied the Avonlie Solar Farm project with 162km of 33kV medium voltage (MV) cables and 613km of 1,500/1,800V DC cables all manufactured at the Nexans’ Shandong China factory.
Tackling unique challenges
Termites have a major impact on the longevity of cables throughout many parts of Australia, particularly in the warmer climate areas.
All termites eat plant fibre – typically wood – to derive the cellulose and nutrients they need to live. Obstacles to those food sources, including cable, are therefore eaten and destroyed as a result.
To address these unique challenges, Nexans utilised its more than 50 years of experience with termite resistant cables to develop a new generation of termite barrier, ECOTERM™.
For this project, all underground cables were supplied with the Nexans ECOTERM™ termite barrier solution. ECOTERM™ satisfied a unique environmental, OH&S and chemically free termite protection solution for the project, while aiding installation with reduced bend radii.
As a pivotal player and strategic partner in solar energy, Nexans is renowned for its cable reliability and technical expertise, backed by substantial production capacity. This dedication ensures that Nexans continues to lead in powering Australia’s energy transition towards a more connected and sustainable future.
For more information, visit www.nexans.com.au.
Featured image: ME Image/shutterstock.com
