Construction begins on Australia’s largest solar power station

ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the Nyngan plant was expected to create more than 300 construction jobs, deliver 102 megawatts of renewable power and span 250 hectares, making it Australia’s largest solar plant.

“When complete, AGL estimates the Nyngan Solar plant will produce energy to power more than 33,000 average homes in New South Wales,” Mr Frischknecht said.

Head contractor First Solar will provide engineering and construction services on the project and has awarded a contract to deliver the large-scale framing system to the IXL Group of companies based in Geelong.

Mr Frischknecht said the project would generate valuable know-how in deploying large-scale solar PV as well as help support job creation in regional NSW.

“The transfer of skills and experience to the local labour market will provide a boost to the local community and beyond as well as benefit the solar industry and the Australian economy,” Mr Frischknecht said.

“AGL has already learned valuable lessons during the planning stages of the project, which ARENA has shared with the industry in a guide to gaining regulatory approvals.

“Sharing knowledge helps build investor confidence, reduce risk and costs on future projects and paves the way for more solar energy plants to be built across the country.

“This project is an example of ARENA delivering on its vision to catalyse the development and deployment of renewable energy in Australia.”

AGL’s $440 million large-scale solar photovoltaic project has sites at both Nyngan and Broken Hill and is receiving funding support from ARENA and the NSW Government.