Neoen has plans to install three 30 MW plants one 10 MW plant and one 15 MW plant in various locations including Dubbo, Narromine, Griffith, Parkes and Gilgandra, of New South Wales (NSW), reports PV Magazine.
The Dubbo Solar Hub will be close to consumption centers or in areas with good solar irradiance, providing benefit to local community.
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With this project, solar will be the largest renewable energy source in western NSW. Dubbo already has some of the highest penetration rates of rooftop in the region.
The planning approvals are on advanced stage, with connection studies in progress. Company has concluded with its overseas experience that solar between 5 MW-30 MW is easy to operate, says, Franck Woitiez, MD, Neoen.
Being close to consumption allows the balancing of transmission costs with minimum loss and enhanced economy, added Woitiez.
An alliance of western NSW councils has demanded for A$200 million to build solar thermal and solar PVs in NSW. These projects are a part of government’s 41,000 GW renewable energy target.
Recently, Neoen joined with Megawatt Capital to acquire 270 MW Hornsdale wind project in South Australia, tendering a 100 MW initially into the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s wind auction.
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Neoen and Megawatt Capital are now eyeing Investec, including two solar projects in Western Australia.
For Neoen, Australia is the base for Asian investment, with special attention for Philippines renewable sector.
In addition, Neoen landed a contract to build a 74 MW solar project in El Salvador for a price of US$102/MW.
In future, Neoen is willing to invest A$250 million, provided the Australian renewable policy is not an obstruction factor.
Sabeena Wahid
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