Ray of sunshine in solar initiative

But its go ahead is highly dependent on the federal government’s decision surrounding a renewable energy target.

Goldwind has announced plans to construct the 10 to 12 megawatt solar power plant on the wind farm site, 12km south of Crookwell.

Covering 30 to 50 hectares, the solar farm is expected to generate 25,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy each year.

The company says this is enough to supply about 4000 NSW homes annually over its 25 to 30-year operating life.

A development application will be lodged with Upper Lachlan Shire Council by June, if all goes according to plan.

Goldwind senior manager of projects, John Gardner described it as a positive initiative.

“We see it as a good opportunity to produce more clean energy and capitalise on the infrastructure that’s there. It will use the same grid connection,” he said.

The project comprises a large field of solar photovoltaic panels installed on support frames and connected by wiring to inverters.

Underground alternating current electricity cables would connect the solar farm’s output to the existing wind farm electricity substation and grid connection point at Pomeroy.

The solar panels would not exceed three metres in height.

“The development may be visible to residents who are close to the site, dependent on vegetation screening,” the company’s fact sheet states.

“A landscape and visual assessment will form part of the development application.”

Goldwind already owns the land on which the solar farm is pegged.

Mr Gardner said although consultation would occur in tandem with the DA, the company had started talks with surrounding landowners.

He would not place an investment figure on the project, citing confidentiality, but it was below the $30 million mark which triggered state significant developments.

While Upper Lachlan Council will handle the DA, the Southern Region Joint Planning Panel will make the final decision.

Mr Gardner said the development would generate 100 jobs during construction, with the company advertising locally for subcontractors.

But he told the Post that the federal government’s delay in finalising a renewable energy target was creating uncertainty.

“The outcome of that will determine whether it (the solar farm) goes into production or not,” he said.

However, it has not stopped the wind farm’s progress. Despite a current legal battle in the NSW Land and Environment Court, Goldwind is pressing ahead with its 73-turbine project.

Organiser with the Australian Wind Alliance and Goulburn woman, Mhairi Fraser said she and fellow organiser Charlie Prell had a brief meeting with Goldwind about the solar farm.

“I know they are looking at its feasibility and a hybrid method of storing solar and wind power,” she said.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for Goldwind to do community engagement very well and to ensure that the benefit sharing from the solar farm is as wide as possible.”

Mrs Fraser said the company could explore some form of community ownership in the plant, as had occurred with similar projects overseas.

Following widespread criticism of the company’s consultation about the wind farm, she said this was a chance for Goldwind to demonstrate it had learnt some important lessons.

She and Mr Prell hope to press this point in a further meeting with the company.