Antinuclear

The solar panels will be able generate power for 40,000 homes and help improve the state’s electricity supply while creating up to 200 jobs during construction, according to Snowy Hydro, which is building the farm in conjunction with renewable energy investor Equis.

The solar farm would generate up to 100 megawatts of energy and the almost 400,000 solar panels would cover 200 hectares, Snowy Hydro, which owns the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, said.

It added that the capacity for battery storage of up to 100 megawatts would also enhance energy security in the state.

The project also includes a diesel fuelled generator producing 28 megawatts to provide backup power during periods of peak demand.

Snowy Hydro said the site would be the “first large-scale battery ready facility we are aware of’’ in the state. “This is an exciting opportunity for Snowy Hydro to source renewable generation in South

Australia to complement our existing capacity,” Snowy Hydro managing director

Paul Broad said.

“We have been keeping the lights on in NSW and Victoria since construction days in the

1950s and are one of the most experienced and diverse companies operating in the

National Electricity Market.’’

Mr Broad explained that the solar plant was designed to maximise the amount of electricity generated in the late afternoon, when demand for power was typically greatest.

“The solar farm represents a significant, strategic investment in South Australia by Snowy………“Importantly, this unique generation facility at Tailem Bend is also ‘battery ready’ with the ability to install up to 100 megawatts of large-scale battery storage on the site.”…….Snowy Hydro said the solar farm would help power an expansion of its retail business here. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/jobs-boost-as-snowy-hydro-and-equis-to-build-200m-solar-power-plant-near-tailem-bend/news-story/6a2e033bed2416a3bd304b43572f1272