Plans have been publicly released for another proposed large-scale solar + energy storage facility near Robertstown in South Australia, the second major project for the area.
Development consultant Energy Projects Solar (EPS) Pty Ltd says the proposed facility will be constructed across a 1,800 hectare site approximately 5km north-east of the Robertstown township. The total project development footprint is approximate 870 hectares.
The clean power station will boast approximately 500MW(AC) generation capacity (approximately 1.7 million solar panels on single axis trackers) and a 250MW/1,000MWh battery system. Synchronous condensers may also be incorporated into the facility.
The energy storage element is to be integrated but separately operated. The PV aspect of the project will be operated by Robertstown Solar 1 Pty Ltd and the battery system by Robertstown Solar 2 Pty Ltd.
The project area adjoins the Robertstown Substation and an assessment has determined the facility could export energy to the grid without any significant restraints. Connection to Robertstown Substation would be via 275kV overhead and/or underground transmission lines.
EPS says the facility will generate enough energy to provide for the electricity requirements of the equivalent of 144,000 households and avoid 815,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. The solar farm would operate for 30 years and EPS is examining the potential for agricultural activities to continue during that time, including sheep grazing and apiculture (beekeeping).
The construction phase will generate approximately 275 full time equivalent jobs, with around 15 full time permanent jobs during the project’s operational life. A community fund will also be established to benefit local groups.
Robertstown Solar held a community information session in May last year and another will occur soon. EPS says the response from the general community has been positive and supportive.
It’s envisioned the facility could be constructed over 4 phases of 125MW(AC) each, with energy storage phased to meet incremental project maturity. Estimated substantial completion for both aspects is 6 years after development approval operative dates.
The project will require an estimated capital investment of $1.17 billion.
During its January 22 meeting, Regional Council of Goyder moved to advise South Australia’s State Commission Assessment Panel that it supports the proposal.
The Robertstown Solar project site can be viewed here and the development application here (PDF).
The Robertstown area looks set to be a hive of large-scale solar energy and battery storage activity in the years ahead. Earlier today we reported construction should commence on another project for the region, Solar River, in May.
About Michael Bloch
RSS - Posts
Speak Your Mind