Solar farm moving ahead

THE $500 million Northern Midlands Solar Farm is a step closer to reality with the signing of key terms for a power agreement between TasRex and Hydro Tasmania last week. 

The 288-megawatt (AC) development at Connorville will be Tasmania’s largest solar farm. 

It will also deliver the state’s fourth-largest generation capacity after the Gordon and Poatina hydropower stations and the Tamar Valley Power Station. 

Hydro Tasmania’s commitment to buying the energy generated by the solar farm is a significant milestone.

TasRex chief executive Bess Clark said with local government development approval secured and technical studies well underway, the development was on track for completion by 2027. 

“We are thrilled that Hydro Tasmania has demonstrated its confidence in TasRex and the Northern Midlands Solar Farm through agreeing solar-power purchase key terms. 

“This transformative project redefines the possibilities for solar energy development in Tasmania, and is an important step towards Tasmania’s 200 per cent renewable energy target,” she said. 

“It is exciting to think that this land will soon be generating enough power for 70,000 homes, while still supporting sheep grazing for high-quality wool production.” 

Ms Clark said the TasRex team and landowner Roderic O’Connor had been working hard to realise the ambitious project, engaging closely with surrounding landowners and the local community. 

She said the engagement would continue as the parties progress the project. 

“We are a Tasmanian company that takes our environ-mental and social responsibility incredibly seriously and the interactions and feedback we have received through this process have been critical,”Ms Clark said. 

“We are excited about the benefits this project will bring to Tasmania, enabling more local clean energy and supporting local jobs for decades to come,” she said. 

An Australian specialist investment manager, Birdwood Energy, will be supporting TasRex to develop, fund and deliver the Northern Midland Solar Farm.