By Greentech Lead Australia: AGL Energy, an integrated
renewable energy company in Australia has selected First Solar to design,
construct and maintain two solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects totaling 159
megawatt AC, as part of Australia’s Solar Flagships Program. AGL will develop a
106 MWAC project in Nyngan and a 53 MWAC project in Broken Hill, both in New
South Wales.
AGL was selected as the successful proponent in the solar
PV category of the program and will receive federal and state government
funding to help deliver on its commitment to greater investment in renewable
electricity generation.
“AGL is delighted to be working with the
Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments, the people of Broken Hill and
Nyngan, and our project partner First Solar to deliver these significant renewable
energy projects. These projects represent a tremendous opportunity for AGL and
the broader solar industry to begin the roll-out of solar power as a meaningful
source of generation supply in Australia,” said Michael Fraser, AGL’s
managing director.
The Australian Government’s Solar Flagships Program
provides unprecedented support for the development of a broad range and scale
of solar energy projects and technologies in Australia.
First Solar will provide engineering,
procurement and construction services and its advanced thin-film PV modules for
both projects. First Solar will also maintain both projects for AGL Energy for
their first five years of commercial operation.
“These projects demonstrate First Solar’s ability to
apply its vertically integrated capabilities to deliver competitive,
comprehensive, utility-scale solar solutions in future sustainable markets. We
look forward to working with AGL on more projects like this in the
future,” said Jim Hughes, First Solar chief executive officer. Â
The projects are expected to provide approximately 350
GWh of energy annually, enough electricity to meet the needs of at least 30,000
Australian homes. AGL Hydro Partnership, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL, will
purchase the electricity produced by the projects through power purchase
agreements.
Construction of the projects is expected to begin in
2014, with commercial operation in 2015. AGL will be the majority owner of the
project vehicle.
First Solar and MidAmerican Solar start 550 MW PV project
MidAmerican Solar and First Solar recentlystarted
construction of 550 MW photovoltaic project at Topaz Solar Farms, located in
San Luis Obispo County, Calif. The photovoltaic project will employ 400 workers
during its three-year construction period.
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editor@greentechlead.com