Construction has begun on Shell’s 120MW solar farm, near Wandoan in South West Queensland, which will generate enough clean energy to power 50,000 homes.
The large-scale solar project, named Gangarri, will connect to the National Electricity Market grid and create up to 200 construction jobs.
Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the solar farm will generate clean energy for QGC’s natural gas processing plants, showing how gas as a transition fuel and clean energy assets can coexist.
“With Shell sanctioning this 400,000 panel solar farm it will become part of Queensland’s clean energy revolution, which is providing the world with a practical template on how to transition to low-emissions future,” Dr Lynham said.
“The Darling Downs and South West Queensland is literally an energy powerhouse, these regions have developed the unprecedented large-scale $70 billion onshore gas industry from a standing start, now it is hosting some of largest clean energy generators in the country.”
Dr Lynham believes Shell’s Gangarri Solar Farm will help Queensland reach its target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
Shell Australia Chairman, Tony Nunan, said solar will play an increasing role in the global energy system, especially when partnered with a reliable energy source such as gas.
“This is Shell’s first global investment in an industrial-scale solar farm, and we are proud to be investing in the ‘Sunshine State’ as a key centre of activity under Shell’s global ambition to expand our integrated power business,” Mr Nunan said.
“It will help power the operations of our QGC project and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 300,000 tonnes a year.
“It continues our long-standing commitment to the regional development of Queensland and creating thriving, diverse local economies.”