Paris, France based independent power producer of renewable energy, Total Eren has commenced construction of its first solar power project in Australia, the 256.5 MW Kiamal solar power plant in the state of Victoria. The company is already contemplating expansion for the project – the second stage might have up to 194 MW. It is also exploring commercial options for the approved 380 MWh of energy storage capacity.
The Kiamal Solar Farm has signed a corporate PPA with Mars Australia, and with energy retailers Flow Power and Alinta Energy. The plant is being constructed in North-West Victoria, near Ouyen township.
Total Eren plans to use 720,000 PV panels with single-axis trackers covering more than 500 hectares. The project is scheduled to assume commercial operations in mid-2019 when it 'will be Victoria's largest solar power plant', it said. Greek infrastructure company Aktor S.A.'s Biosar Australia and module maker Canadian Solar will jointly carry out construction of the plant. TransGrid will deliver a new 2020 kV Kiamal Terminal Station and Collector Substation.
100 MW PV project approved in New South Wales
Another big PV project was approved by the New South Wales administration, which gave green light for the construction of the 100 MW Bomen solar project in Wagga Wagga. To be constructed for $164 million, it is expected to create more than 200 construction jobs over the coming year, according to the Department of Planning and Environment's Resource Assessment Director, Clay Preshaw.
"We're seeing billions of dollars of private investment in renewable energy projects right across NSW and millions are now pouring into the Wagga Wagga area. Solar energy is a key part of NSW's energy mix and will become even more important into the future," said Preshaw.