Australian renewable energy developer CWP Renewables is planning to build a 600MW Parkesbourne solar and storage project within Goulburn in New South Wales. The gigantic project will cover around 2,000 hectares in in the Greater Hume Shire.
Parkesbourne solar and storage – more info.
There are two separate Parkesbourne solar projects being touted by CWP – the first is a 600MW solar and storage project in the New South Wales Goulburn Mulwaree Council area. The second plan is for a 200MW Glenellen solar and storage park. According to Renewables Now, this will be installed on already cleared land situated north-east of Jundera, within the Greater Hume Shire.
Project manager Matthew Flower discussed what will happen on in the future if this project goes ahead:
“We are looking at producing up to 600MW power with this and right now there are no other 600MW solar farms in Australia,” Mr Flower said.
“The largest at the moment would be about 150MW.
“That is not to say it will be the largest by the time of possible approval because this area is expanding so rapidly, but it is certainly a major project.
“The attraction of the area is proximity to the electricity grid and relatively flat land.”
Mr Flower went on to explain why they chose the specific location and why they will use solar power instead of wind:
“Wind can vary a lot, but not sun,” Mr Flower said.
“It would not matter if it was further west, because of the angle of the sun. Latitude is the main thing.
“Our application comes off the back of early engagement with potential hosts, neighbouring landowners and the wider community.
“These discussions have shaped the project, which will continue as we work through the permitting process,” Mr Flower said.
The project is expected to create 300 solar jobs during construction and 25 more ongoing operational positions. The $600m farm could even be the largest of its type in all of Australia.
We’ll keep you updated as more information about the project becomes available! An Environmental Impact Statement will be released to the public sometime in 2018.
