In a notable development for Australia's renewable energy sector, the government has given the green light to solar tracker distributor and project developer Skylab's proposal to build an up to 800-MW solar park with storage in Queensland.
The Punchs Creek Solar Farm, set to be a significant contributor to the region's energy grid, aims to provide green electricity for approximately 300,000 local homes, according to a government statement released over the weekend.
The photovoltaic (PV) complex will be constructed in two phases of 400 MW each and will include a 250-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance reliability. Over 1.7 million solar panels will be installed on agricultural land in Queensland's Southern Downs region, situated approximately 64 km southwest of Toowoomba, with direct access to the Powerlink Transmission Network.
This project supports Queensland's objective of deriving 50% of its power from renewable sources by the end of the decade, amidst ongoing efforts to transition away from coal. It received clearance from the Queensland's Toowoomba Regional Council in April.
Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, stated, “We want to unlock Australia's potential to be a world leader in renewable energy. I've now ticked off 47 renewable energy projects which will power over 3 million homes. And we have a record 134 renewables projects in the approval pipeline.”
