Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has visited the Western Downs Green Power Hub, Australia’s largest solar farm, to mark the completion of the project.
The 400MW Western Downs Green Power Hub, which has over 1 million solar panels in total, can power 235,000 households in Queensland and is linked to the Queensland SuperGrid via a new 275kV line constructed by Powerlink.
“Queensland is leading the charge with renewable power so it’s no surprise that the sunshine state is now home to the largest solar farm in the country,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
Premier Palaszczuk reiterated that the Queensland Government had stated unequivocally that Queensland homes would be powered by renewable energy generated by solar farms such as this one via the SuperGrid.
Publicly-owned CleanCo Queensland has inked a power purchase deal with Neoen for 80% of the power generated at the solar farm.
“The renewable energy generated by the Western Downs Green Power Hub will supply some of CleanCo’s biggest customers including Coles and BHP. Projects like these complement CleanCo’s portfolio of fast ramping, flexible gas and hydro generators to provide our customers with 24/7 reliable clean energy,” CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said.
Metcalfe added that the renewable solar energy produced in Queensland’s Western Downs would assist Queensland industries and communities thrive in a net zero future.
The completion of panel installation will allow the project’s final testing and commissioning phase to commence, bringing it up to full capacity.
“We are delighted to have completed the panel installation of the largest solar farm in Australia at Western Downs, and we’re excited about the strong contribution that this asset will make to Queensland’s rapidly accelerating energy transition,” Neoen Australia Managing Director Louis de Sambucy said.
According to the State Government, the project’s construction has also significantly boosted Queensland’s regional economy, with an estimated $800 million in economic activity.
“We are blazing a trail when it comes to green energy and the capacity this solar farm will be able to produce is a testament to the Palaszczuk Government’s vision for the Queensland,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.
Deputy Premier Miles stated that the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan means more business opportunities, more skilled employment, and greater growth, particularly in regional towns.
“The renewable energy being generated is already supplying some of CleanCo’s biggest customers including Coles, BHP, and Westfield shopping centres. This is our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan in action, delivering more jobs in more industries, affordable power, lower emissions, and stronger economic growth,” Assistant Minister Lance McCallum said.
