Renewable energy company ACEN Australia has awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the construction of the 400MW Stubbo Solar project to PCL Construction (PCL).
PCL has been engaged to deliver all aspects of the solar project and is responsible for the detailed design, engineering and procurement of Stubbo Solar. PCL will also manage ongoing operation and maintenance services in the first two years of operations.
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ACEN chief development officer Sech Zabaleta said, “We are pleased to have reached this next milestone in bringing the Stubbo Solar project to life. It is a critical part of ACEN’s goal of reaching 20GW of renewable energy by 2030, but importantly, Stubbo Solar will
contribute to NSW’s energy security and Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.”
ACEN construction manager Tim Greenaway said, “It is exciting to finalise the EPC with PCL Construction for the development of the Stubbo Solar project. We look forward to working with them over the next several years to deliver the project and help support the transition to a low emission generation supply in NSW.”
The 400MW solar project is located within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone in the Mid-Western Regional Council region and will connect to the existing 330kV network between Wollar and Wellington.
The project will produce enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 185,000 average Australian homes. The project’s development approval also includes provisions for a 200MWh battery energy storage system, allowing for the project to later on be adapted to dispatch energy when it is most needed during peak hours and provide important grid stability services.
Stubbo Solar was granted development consent in 2021. Construction of the site access recently commenced, with construction of the main works by PCL expected to start in 2023. All going to plan, the project will be operational in 2025.
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PCL Construction country manager Gopi Govindraj said, “We look forward to designing and building this important solar project for ACEN Australia. Stubbo Solar will be another example of our team’s expertise and will showcase our commitment to delivering success for
our clients, while exceeding their expectations.”
Stubbo Solar is ACEN Australia’s second utility scale solar project in construction. Its New England Solar project in NSW’s New England Renewable Energy Zone is due to complete construction in 2023 and is one of Australia’s largest solar projects to be participating in the
National Electricity Market.
