Boost for twin hybrid solar power projects

Edify Energy has emerged among the winners under the Capacity Investment Scheme, with two co-located projects at Majors Creek near Townsville selected under the first national tender process. The 250MW Hopeland solar farm in Queensland was also among the 19 successful projects chosen from 84 bids. Edify Energy said its 150MW Ganymirra solar power station and 150 MW Majors Creek solar power station were set to make a major contribution to the clean energy economy of Townsville, with a $450 million injection into the local community, employment and supply chains. The projects include 1200MWh of lithium-ion battery energy storage. Edify said they would be among the first of its hybrid solar power stations, which combine low-cost solar energy with the dispatchability and stability properties of grid-forming battery technologies to meet the demands of a high renewable penetration market. "Once again Edify is an innovator at the frontier of technology deployment to support the energy transition," Edify Energy chief executive John Cole said. "These projects and this asset class represent the next natural step in our journey, by combining our experience in first delivering solar, then grid forming batteries. "We thank the Federal Government for its support and recognising the quality of our projects and the exceptional capabilities of our team.” Construction is planned from 2026 to 2028. Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Claudia Brumme-Smith said the region had some of the best wind and solar resources in the country, and the projects at Majors Creek would capitalise on this unique advantage to offer energy security to residents and industry. "The Ganymirra and Majors Creek Solar Power Stations will further enable this region's green industry ambitions, guaranteeing the development of Lansdown projects, and delivering renewable power for generations to come," she said. The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is an Australian Government revenue underwriting scheme to accelerate investment in: renewable energy generation (generation), such as wind and solar clean dispatchable capacity (dispatchable), such as battery storage. It is described as providing a long-term revenue safety net that decreases financial risk for investors to ensure more renewable energy projects are built. Bids were assessed through AEMO Services based on projects’ likelihood of lowering wholesale energy market prices, how well they help deliver system reliability, and proposed benefits to local communities and First Nations Australians, including through using locally sourced project materials and supplies, and job creation.

Boost for twin hybrid solar power projects

Industry Queensland

Related News

North West freight logistics in the spotlight

Step forward for CQ’s Big G pumped hydro project

True North Copper changes tack

Get access to breaking mining news, now.