First Solar to build 200MW PV for mines in Australia

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

First Solar has said it will develop a series of diesel-PV hybrid power plants for mines in remote parts of Australia, according to a media report.

The thin-film module manufacturer and project developer told Bloomberg that mining firms in the country are looking to cut costs as profitability has fallen.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“In an environment where profitability isn’t what it used to be, with the mining industry focused on cost control, the electricity that powers the mines is becoming a bigger line item, and the ability to put a dent in that and hedge against fuel price volatility is something that solar offers,” said Jack Curtis, VP of business development for First Solar in the Asia Pacific.

Curtis added that project announcements in this sector were close.

The company is targeting 200MW of solar for the Australian mining sector in the next three years, according to Curtis. The systems would be paired with diesel generators.

The Australian solar industry is currently locked in a battle with the new government over cuts to financial and policy incentives for renewable energy generation.

The new conservative government vowed to repeal the country’s carbon tax and has launched a review of the national renewable energy target. Solar tariffs are decided at a state level.

Mining companies have been among the most vocal critics of the country’s low-carbon policies but look set to benefit from the cost-cutting potential of solar power in the country.

Read Next

May 9, 2025
Data from the Silicon Industry Branch published this week (8 May) indicated that Chinese PV wafer prices have been under downward pressure and witnessed a significant decline, with the maximum drop reaching 13.85%. 
May 9, 2025
Talk of manufacturing consolidation, excitement over energy storage and other key takeaways from Intersolar Europe 2025.
May 9, 2025
LONGi has launched a new back contact (BC) module for its EcoLife series at the Intersolar Europe event in Munich, Germany.
May 9, 2025
Scatec has announced revenues of NOK2.39 billion (US$230 million) and profits of NOK1 billion (US$96 million) in the first quarter of 2025.
Premium
May 9, 2025
BrightNight made community engagement central to its plans for a 201MW PV project in a former mining area in Kentucky.
May 9, 2025
Solar manufacturers Aiko Solar and Canadian Solar showcased their latest modules, while 7Secondsolar, LONGi Solar and Weidmüller won in the Photovoltaics (PV) category at this year's The smarter E Award. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 21, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 8, 2025
Asia