APA Group has officially opened the 110MW (AC) Darling Downs Solar Farm in Queensland, Australia.
Built with an investment of A$200m ($136m), the Darling Downs Solar Farm is spread across 250ha.
The photovoltaic generation facility consists of 423,360 solar panels. Power generated at this facility can meet the needs of approximately 36,000 homes in the region.
The solar farm was opened by Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham.
Dr Lynham said: “We’ve got more than A$5bn ($3.4bn) worth of renewable energy projects either generating, underway or financially committed across Queensland with one-third of this investment in the Darling Downs alone.
“This latest solar farm owned by APA Group is one of five clean energy generators to come online in the Darling Downs region in just three years and is one of Queensland’s 30 clean energy generators.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataLocated 45km west of Dalby, southwestern Queensland, the Darling Downs Solar Farm site will be linked to the existing Darling Downs Braemar substation, connecting it with the National Electricity Grid.
APA Group managing director and CEO Rob Wheals said: “Our new Darling Downs Solar Farm is a world-class renewables facility that demonstrates APA’s commitment to responsible energy.
“It showcases what can be achieved when industry, government and communities come together with a common goal.
“We’re continuing to grow our capabilities in renewable energy infrastructure as part of our growth strategy. Darling Downs Solar Farm is part of our growing renewables infrastructure portfolio, which will, together with our gas infrastructure, contribute to Australia’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.”
The solar facility has also received a grant of A$20m ($13.6m) from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Additionally, the clean energy generated by the facility, as well as the Large-scale Renewable Generation Certifications (LGCs) generated by the solar farm will be delivered to Origin Energy until 2030 under a long-term offtake agreement.