A new large-scale solar farm will be built in order to power South West Queensland’s gas plants, the Queensland government has announced.
Construction has already begun on Shell’s 120 megawatt solar farm according to Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham. The solar farm will generate clean energy for QGC’s natural gas processing plants.
“With Shell sanctioning this 400,000 panel solar farm it will become part of Queensland’s clean energy revolution, which is providing the world a practical template on how to transition to low emissions future,” Lynham said.
“The Darling Downs and South West Queensland is literally an energy powerhouse, these regions have developed the unprecedented large scale $70 billion onshore gas industry from a standing start, now it hosting some of largest clean energy generators in the country.
“I welcome Shell’s first global investment in an industrial-scale solar farm on Queensland soil and I am also pleased they have recognised the Iman people the traditional owners of the land of where the farm will be constructed and named the project Gangarri.”
Shell Australia chairman Tony Nunan said solar will play an increasing role in the global energy system, especially when partnered with a reliable energy source such as gas.
“This is Shell’s first global investment in an industrial-scale solar farm, and we are proud to be investing in the ‘Sunshine State’ as a key centre of activity under Shell’s global ambition to expand our integrated power business,” Nunan said.
“It continues our long-standing commitment to the regional development of Queensland and creating thriving, diverse local economies.”
Shell’s solar farm will be close to AGL and Vena Energy’s battery near Wandoan.