$300 million grant for Australian solar farm

The Moree Solar Farm is set to be one of the largest solar power plants in the world and is expected to power over 45,000 homes.  That is, if it’s ever built.

Director of the project Lane Crockett is disappointed that the government has returned to the tender stage for the solar farm.

“We’ve done a lot of work. It has been a lot of resources and time and money spent progressing it through. It is just very unfortunate that the market for a renewable energy is still a bit flat and we have been unable to get a power purchase agreement,” says Crockett.

The $300 million grant will now be available to several other shortlist competitors giving them the chance to build their own facilities.

John Grimes from the Australian Solar Energy Society says “There has been some major changes in the project including the fact that BP Solar, who were providing the technology, have announced that they are getting out of solar globally.

So that combined with a reduction in solar panel prices of over 70 per cent in the last 18 months alone means that it is actually probably appropriate to go back to market because what we want are technically good projects but also projects that deliver value for money.”

by Australian Solar Quotes

The Author

Darryn Van Hout

I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.