115 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy will soon be created as two major North Queensland solar farms have reached a milestone, with arrangements for connection to Powerlink Queensland’s transmission grid in place.
Powerlink and Edify Energy have finalised negotiations for connection agreements for the Whitsunday and Hamilton Solar Farms near Collinsville.
Upon completion, each solar farm would generate 57.5MW of renewable energy and connect to Powerlink’s network via its existing substation at Strathmore.
Powerlink will build a dedicated 132kV transmission line and substation for the two connections, and will add an additional transformer bay at its Strathmore Substation.
Design works are already underway and construction is expected to commence later in 2017, with both solar farms to be operational in early 2018
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said the connection agreements between the two project companies and Powerlink were another exciting step in Queensland’s renewable energy journey.
“Successfully negotiating these new connection agreements with Edify Energy is another significant milestone for Powerlink,” Ms York said.
“Powerlink has Australia’s most experienced transmission network connection team, having delivered more network connections on a commercial basis than any other transmission company in Australia.
“We are focused on delivering certainty and solutions for our renewable energy customers.
“We look forward to delivering these connections for Edify Energy and their investment partners Wirsol and continuing to partner with a range of solar and wind farm proponents.”
John Cole of Edify Energy said, “These two connection agreements begin the transformation of the Collinsville area into a solar hub for Australia.”
“We welcome the opportunity to continue to work with the proactive team at Powerlink and the Queensland Government to realise these connections as the first of many,” Mr Cole said.
