Australia’s Queensland approves Fotowatio’s 130 MW solar farm

The Queensland Government, Australia, has approved an A$400 million (US$287.3 million) solar farm to be developed by Spanish firm Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV).

To be more specific, the government has given the green light to the 150 MW Clare solar project, which is located around 35 km south-west of Ayr, in north Queensland. It is proposed that the solar farm will be connected to the electricity network via the existing Clare South substation, owned and operated by Powerlink.

The technology to be used is solar PV-Polycrystalline modules with a horizontal, single-axis tracking system also envisaged. The panels will be up to approximately 3m high above ground level including the mounting structures.

Queensland has committed to 50% electricity generation from renewables by 2030. It is expected that the energy demand in the state will increase to 95.93 GW/week in 2036 from 74.7 GW/week.

John Grimes, chief executive of the Australian Solar Council, stated:

“The Sunshine State is fast becoming the Solar State. The Queensland Government is serious about solar and determined to build a clean energy future. Queensland is a natural home for solar and energy storage. The Australian Solar Council looks forward to many more initiatives to help make Queensland the Solar State.”