Generator Performance Standards Approval for Frasers Solar Farm

South Energy is pleased to announce that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has completed its assessment of the Generator Performance Standards (GPS) for the Frasers Solar Farm (the Project) and has issued approval pursuant to clause 5.3.4A of the National Electricity Rules.

The Project will be connected to AusNet Services’ existing Morwell-Maffra 66 kV distribution powerline adjacent to the project site. AEMO, via the distribution network service provider AusNet, has determined that the Project can operate in accordance with the required standards, after completion of a range of detailed studies including a full impact assessment.

“The GPS approval is an extensive and at times complex process. We are very pleased to have received this approval and would like to express our gratitude to both AEMO and AusNet for their continued support throughout journey, culminating in South Energy achieving this great milestone for the Project,” said Johan Laban, South Energy Technical Director.

The 77 MW Frasers Solar Farm is located within the Latrobe City, approximately 13 km northeast of Traralgon and 120 km east of Melbourne, and is one of the first utility-scale renewable energy projects proposed in the Latrobe Valley – which is traditionally known as the centre of Victoria’s energy industry and has underpinned decades of Victoria’s economic prosperity.  The Project is expected to generate enough green energy to power approximately 29,000 households and help the valley transit beyond coal towards a more sustainable future. The planning permit for the Project was approved by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in September 2020.

AusNet General Manager Network Strategy and Planning, Rod Jones, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Energy to help the energy sector transition to renewable energy and to help meet Victoria and Australia’s emission reduction targets.”

South Energy is currently working with AusNet on the connection contracts and with potential off-takers on the power purchase agreements, with the aim of achieving financial close by the end of 2022 and construction commencement in early 2023.

Generator Performance Standards Approval for Campbells Forest Solar Farm

South Energy is pleased to announce that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has completed its assessment of the Generator Performance Standards (GPS) for the Campbells Forest Solar Farm (the Project) and has issued approval pursuant to clause 5.3.4A of the National Electricity Rules.

Despite the challenges in the West Murray Zone that covers most parts of the network in northern and western Victoria and southern New South Wales, AEMO has determined that the Project can operate in accordance with the required standards, after completion of a range of detailed studies including a full impact assessment. This reflects the Project’s technical robustness and South Energy’s meticulous forward thinking when developing large-scale projects at strategic locations.

The GPS approval is one of the most complex and significant milestones for the Project. We are greatly pleased to have received this approval and would like to express our appreciation to AEMO for the continued support that has enabled South Energy to achieve this significant milestone.

The 205 MW Campbells Forest Solar Farm is located within the Loddon Shire, approximately 20 km north of Bendigo and 140 km northwest of Melbourne. Once completed, the Project is expected to generate enough green energy to power over 70,000 households, and will include a new terminal station for connection to the existing Bendigo-Kerang 220 kV transmission powerline, and potential co-located large-scale battery systems. The planning permit for the Project was approved in April 2020.

In the next few months, South Energy will continue working with AEMO and relevant parties to complete the connection contracts, with the aim of achieving financial close in early 2023.

Benger Solar Farm’s Micro Grid Switchyard Approved

South Energy is pleased to announce that the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) has approved South Energy’s plan to build a switchyard in connection with its $150 million Benger Solar Farm project in Western Australia.

Known as the Kemerton Renewable Energy Node (KEREN), the switchyard is strategically placed within the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area (KSIA) to offer power generated from the Benger Solar Farm in a micro grid setup, helping the commercial clients to save on energy costs and offset carbon emissions. Any excess green power will be exported to the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).

The 110 MW Benger Solar Farm is located within the Shire of Harvey, approximately 140 km south of Perth. Planning permit for the development was approved by JDAP in late 2019, followed by an access proposal by Western Power for connection to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) in mid-2021. The solar farm and KEREN are expected to commence construction in first half of 2023 and start operating by the end of 2024.

 

Benger Solar Farm Connection Approval

South Energy is pleased to announce the achievement of another milestone for its Benger Solar Farm, after receiving Access Proposal from Western Power in June 2021. The 110 MW solar farm will be located within Shire of Harvey in Western Australia.

The project received planning approval towards the end of 2019 and will create approximately 250 jobs in WA. South Energy’s Benger Solar Farm is expected to power up to 35,000 households with clean energy and has the potential to reduce up to 210,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions once fully operational.

The Access Proposal signifies the approval of the power system studies from Western Power. South Energy will then continue to work with Western Power to prepare the connection agreement to finalize the Connection Approval process. Once obtained, this concludes the approval stage, and the project will be ready to proceed to construction.

Waroona Solar Farm Connection Approval

Australian utility scale solar farm developer South Energy is pleased to announce the achievement of another milestone for its Waroona Solar Farm, after receiving Access Proposal from Western Power in May 2021. The 240MW solar farm will be located at Waroona in Peel region of Western Australia.

The project received planning approval towards the end of 2019 and will create approximately 300 jobs in WA. South Energy’s Waroona Solar Farm is expected to power up to 60,000 households with clean energy and has the potential to reduce up to 255,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions once fully operational.

The Access Proposal signifies the approval of the power system studies from Western Power. South Energy will then continue to work with Western Power to prepare the connection agreement to finalize the Connection Approval process. Once obtained, this concludes the approval stage, and the project will be ready to proceed to construction.

Kennedys Creek Solar Farm Planning Approval

South Energy is very proud to announce that our solar farm is coming to the High Country north-eastern region of Victoria, after the project received a planning permit from The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) in late November 2020.

Located in Victoria’s Benalla Rural City, Kennedys Creek Solar Farm is a utility-scale renewable energy project that covers about 290 hectares of land. It will be located approximately 4 km north-east of the Benalla township.

With an estimated network capacity of 145 megawatts (MW), the Kennedys Creek Solar Farm is expected to generate enough clean power for approximately 51,000 households – this will help Australians reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 305,000 tonnes per year.

As a result of receiving the permit, South Energy has also reached a notable milestone, providing us with the opportunity to reflect, recognise and show gratitude for the enormous effort our dedicated project team has been putting in. South Energy would like to sincerely say thank you to all community members and authorities involved for the support given to the project. We are honoured to be part of a tremendous community and look forward to strengthening our bonds and prosperity.

South Energy remains committed to continuing to collaborate with everyone towards the delivery of the project. Hence, the public is encouraged and welcome to contact us should they have any questions or wishes to know more about the project.

Frasers Solar Farm Planning Approval

South Energy is very proud to announce that our solar farm is coming to eastern Victoria, after the project received a planning permit from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in September 2020.

Located in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, the Frasers Solar Farm is a utility-scale renewable energy project that covers about 110 hectares of land. It will be located approximately 2km south of Toongabbie, one of the main towns in the Latrobe Valley region of Victoria.

With an estimated network capacity of 75 megawatts (MW), the Frasers Solar Farm is expected to generate enough clean power for approximately 29,000 households – this will help Australians reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 154,000 tonnes per year.

As a result of receiving the permit, South Energy has also reached a notable milestone, providing us with the opportunity to reflect, recognise and show gratitude for the enormous effort our dedicated project team has been putting in. South Energy would like to sincerely say thank you to all community members and authorities involved for the support given to the project. We are honoured to be part of a tremendous community and look forward to strengthening our bonds and prosperity.

South Energy remains committed to continuing to collaborate with everyone towards the delivery of the project. Hence, the public is encouraged and welcome to contact us should they have any questions or wishes to know more about the project.

Campbells Forest Solar Farm Planning Approval

South Energy is very proud to announce that our solar farm is coming to northern Victoria, after the project received a planning permit from Loddon Shire Council on 27 April 2020.

Located in Victoria’s Loddon Shire, the Campbells Forest Solar Farm is a utility-scale renewable energy project that covers about 360 hectares of land. It will be located approximately 20km north-west of Bendigo on Pyramid-Yarraberb Road and situated on rural farmland that had been used for cropping and livestock grazing in the past.

With an estimated network capacity of 200 megawatts (MW), the Campbells Forest Solar Farm is expected to generate enough clean power for approximately 71,500 households – this will help Australians reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 421,000 tonnes per year.

As a result of receiving the permit, South Energy has also reached a notable milestone, providing us with the opportunity to reflect, recognise and show gratitude for the enormous effort our dedicated project team has been putting in. South Energy would like to sincerely say thank you to all community members and authorities involved for the support given to the project. We are honoured to be part of a tremendous community and look forward to strengthening our bonds and prosperity.

South Energy remains committed to continuing to collaborate with everyone towards the delivery of the project. Hence, the public is encouraged and welcome to contact us should they have any questions or wishes to know more about the project.

Benger Solar Farm Development Approved by JDAP

South Energy have reached a significant milestone in the development process of a utility scale solar farm in the south-west of Western Australia. In support of Western Australia’s Energy Transformation Target, the Benger Solar Farm was considered and approved by the Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) in December of 2019.

After performing extensive research, community consultations and council meetings, the representative of the local JDAP had granted the planning application subject to conditions. The Benger Solar Farm is positioned on roughly 180-hectares, about 15 kilometres out of Harvey.

These development is expected to boost local economy and contribute to maintaining electricity supply for WA, in light of the retirement of the ageing conventional fossil-fuel power stations in the coming years. The project will provide local employment job opportunities in construction and ongoing maintenance.

The next important milestone for the project is securing grid connection. We are actively working with Western Power and expect to provide updates in the coming months.

Upon securing all necessary permits, South Energy anticipates commencing solar farm construction in 2023 and becoming fully operational by the end of 2024.

Visit bengersolar.com.au to find out more about this project.

Waroona Solar Farm Development Approved by JDAP

South Energy have reached a significant milestone in the development process of a utility scale solar farm in the south-west of Western Australia. In support of Western Australia’s Energy Transformation Target, the Waroona Solar Farm was considered and approved by the Mid-West/Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) in November 2019.

After performing extensive research, community consultations and council meetings, the representative of the JDAP had granted the application subject to conditions. The Waroona Solar Farm will be located on a 308-hectare site, 11km out of Waroona or around 117km south of Perth.

The development is expected to boost local economy in these regions and contribute to maintaining electricity supply for WA, in light of the retirement of the ageing conventional fossil-fuel power stations in the coming years. The project will provide local employment job opportunities in construction and ongoing maintenance.

The next important milestone for the project is securing grid connection. We are actively working with Western Power and expect to provide updates in the coming months.