US solar tracker manufacturer FTC Solar has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with four Australian steel companies to explore local supply of steel for utility-scale solar PV plants.
According to FTC Solar, the agreement is intended to develop a domestic supply chain for steel products and structural components used in large-scale solar PV projects. The company says it also aims to support local-content objectives and deliver competitively priced steel for renewable energy infrastructure.
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The Nasdaq-listed company signed the MoU with Surdex Steel, part of Southern Steel Group, alongside GB Galvanizing, Australian Rollforming and Roman Steel. The signing took place at All-Energy Australia in Melbourne, and FTC Solar announced it on 2 November.
The MoU sets out a framework for the companies to assess where they could work together. FTC Solar says any future supply would need separate agreements and would depend on technical and commercial requirements and the needs of individual projects. The companies have not disclosed volumes, a timeline or a financial value for the arrangement.
FTC Solar lists projects linked to the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET), the federal Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) and Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) as potential opportunities, along with other large-scale solar developments across Australia.
Anthony Caroll, CEO of FTC Solar, said Australia is a “strategically important market” for the company, which sees an opportunity to support local manufacturing as utility-scale solar grows.
“This MoU is an important step in exploring how more Australian-made steel and structural components can be incorporated into our projects, while maintaining the quality, performance and competitiveness our customers expect,” he added.
Queensland projects and steel supply
The MoU follows FTC Solar’s project activity in Australia this year. In September, the company began shipping its 1P Terrain trackers for the 330MW Fraser Coast solar-plus-storage project in Queensland.
The project is being developed by Global Power Generation (GPG), the power generation subsidiary of Spain’s Naturgy, and includes a 180MW battery storage system, with operations expected to begin in 2028.
FTC Solar has also received notice to begin production for the 82MW Sybella Creek solar PV project near Mount Isa, also in Queensland. The company did not name the project’s developer in its announcement.
Adrian Kwok, general manager of Surdex Steel, said the company views the MoU “as a vote of confidence from FTC that we can deliver on these mega projects”. He added that FTC Solar had identified steel supply as “critical” to project delivery.
FTC Solar has taken steps on steel supply in its home market too. The company agreed in 2025 to acquire the remaining 55% stake in steel manufacturer Alpha Steel for nearly US$2.7 million. In March, it signed a 1GW tracker supply agreement with Strata Clean Energy, extending its partnership with the US developer by five years after an initial 500MW of projects.
The Australian agreement comes as the country looks at new uses for its iron ore and renewable energy resources. PV Tech has reported that Australia is betting on solar-powered green iron as China’s demand for imports weakens, with the federal government setting aside AU$1 billion (US$700 million) through its Green Iron Investment Fund.
