Powerlink has begun work on expanding its Clare South substation which will help deliver one of Australia’s largest solar farms.
The Clare Solar Farm near Ayr will generate 100MW of renewable energy when complete.
Energy Minister Mark Bailey said project owners Fotowatio Renewables Ventures (FRV) were on track to deliver the project by late 2017.
“The Clare Solar Farm will not only create another renewable energy source for Queensland but also generate 200 jobs during construction and operation phases,” Minister Bailey said.
“These projects provide testimony to the investor confidence in Queensland’s renewable energy credentials.
“The start of work to establish the all-important connection point into Powerlink’s existing substation at Clare is a key milestone for the project and is another step towards reaching our 50 per cent by 2030 renewable energy target.”
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the Clare Solar Farm was part of the large scale renewable energy boom in Queensland kick-started by the Palaszczuk Government.
“The Clare Solar Farm near Ayr will be one of the largest in the country and bring even more renewable energy to the North’s electricity grid while creating much-needed local jobs,” Ms O’Rourke said.
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said the work involved extending the Clare South Substation by adding a new substation bay.
“We are expanding our substation to connect FRV’s solar farm to our 1,700km transmission network,” Ms York said.
“Connection works are expected to be complete by August this year. This is a tight timeframe but we have the experience and technical know-how to deliver on this commitment.
“We are working with a number of solar and wind customers across the state to provide them with certainty and solutions for their projects and to enable large scale renewable generation.
“Powerlink has Australia’s most experienced transmission network connection team, having delivered more network connections on a commercial basis than any other transmission company across the country.”
