New NSW solar project set to be the biggest in Australia

First Solar of New South Wales has kicked off its new 102 MW Nyngan solar project, and is due to be the biggest solar park in Australia.

The project has received support from the NSW government and the Australian federal government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. Coal-seam gas and renewable energy developer AGL owns the Nyngan solar park.

Jack Curtis, First Solar's vice president of development for the Asia Pacific region, is enthusiastic about the project.

"Each project that First Solar constructs builds acceptance of and confidence in utility-scale solar as an effective source of power generation in Australia," says Mr Curtis.

The 250 hectare solar plant is now underway less than six months after AGL Energy Limited achieved financial close for project. The work will see approximately 1,350,000 advanced thin-film photovoltaic modules installed to generate clean, renewable energy without waste or emissions.

First Solar will provide construction as well as engineering and procurement services, along with ongoing maintenance services for five years post commissioning. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2015, aiming to produce enough electricity to power more than 33,000 New South Wales homes.

The solar energy supplied through the Nyngan plant will reduce carbon dioxide by 203,000 tonnes every year. That is effectively the same as taking 53,000 cars off the country's roads.

Mr Curtis believes the project represents a broader milestone in Australia's utility-scale solar industry.

"Each project that First Solar constructs builds acceptance of and confidence in utility-scale solar as an effective source of power generation in Australia. As the Nyngan project develops, we look forward to seeing its impact, not only in generating important local job opportunities, but also in strengthening the solar industry's position within Australia's energy mix," says Mr Curtis.

The project is expected to directly create an estimated 300 construction jobs, as well as issuing contracts throughout the period. The Nyngan plant is estimated to add nearly two per cent to the gross regional product of the community.

A second First Solar project has been approved by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and NSW Government. The Broken Hill construction will begin in mid-2014 after receiving funding by the Commonwealth Government.