AGL Energy’s 102MW Nyngan Solar Plant in western New South Wales is expected to begin its first generation next month, and be fully operational by July 2015.
The project, which is being built in partnership with US thin-film giant, First Solar, will be the largest PV plant in Australia and, for a short time, in the southern hemisphere.
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Spanning 250 hectare, the plant now has one million of the expected 1.35 million solar photovoltaic modules installed, according to AGL, and will begin generation in April.
According to group general manager merchant Anthony Fowler: “If placed end-to-end, the modules would measure more than 1,600 kilometres.”
The A$290million project (US$220 million) will generate enough energy annually to supply electricity to over 33,000 homes, according to AGL. The company claims the project has generated over 250 jobs for the community and will continue to benefit the local community.
The project has received A$166.7 million (US$128.2 million) from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and A$64.9million (US$49.9 million) from the New South Wales government.
Construction on the Nyngan Solar Plant is expected to be complete in June 2015.
First Solar and AGL are also collaborating on the 53MW Broken Hill project, also in New South Wales.