Thursday, 8 September 2016
Another renewables project for the region
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands and Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy Adam Marshall has welcomed news today that Goldwind Australia’s White Rock Solar Farm proposal, near Glen Innes, has been awarded $6 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Mr Marshall said this funding would ensure the $44.5 million, 20 megawatt, solar farm was constructed on the same site as the already commenced $300 million, 175 megawatt wind farm.
“This is tremendous news for Goldwind and our region,” Mr Marshall said.
“With another renewables project now slated, this will mean further investment and jobs will come our way and encourage other projects and companies to invest in renewables in our part of the world.
“Already, our region is home to the third largest solar farm in the state, at Moree, and the two largest wind farms are underway near Glen Innes.
“The Northern Tablelands is fast developing a reputation as a renewables hub for the NSW and today’s news is further evidence of this.”
Mr Marshall said that the White Rock solar farm was one of 12 projects nation-wide supported by ARENA, with an investment totalling $97.1 million to unlock more than $1 billion worth of projects, which would generate 482 megawatts of electricity each year – enough to power around 123,000 homes.
“This project was chosen from a very strong field of applicants from across Australia, demonstrating companies are ready to invest in large-scale renewable energy, but also the quality of the Glen Innes proposal,” Mr Marshall said.
The MP said five of the 12 projects funded were in NSW – Glen Innes, Dubbo, Parkes, Griffith and Manildra – clearly demonstrating that renewables in country NSW was “coming of age”.
“Renewables can no longer be seen as something merely on the ‘fringes’ of rural economies or energy generation. It is quickly becoming mainstream,” Mr Marshall said.
“This trend towards renewables will continue and whether it’s the market or governments who force the pace, it is something we are very well positioned to take advantage of and ensure our region prospers from renewables, not cede those opportunities to other parts of the state.”