Australian utility-scale solar project developer ESCO Pacific has submitted development applications for three new solar farms in Queensland.
ESCO Pacific proposed to build a 85MW solar farm on flat cattle grazing and cropping land at Isis River, which is expected to be able to generate some 168GWh of electricity annually. The Bundaberg Regional Council is to consider the application by early October.
The biggest project, which envisages installing 125MW of PV capacity at Susan River, is awaiting a decision by the Fraser Coast Regional Council toward the end of October.
By early November 2016, the Townsville City Council is to decide on a 110MW solar scheme in Rollingstone.
ESCO Pacific managing director Steve Rademaker said the company is continuing to accelerate and grow its pipeline of projects, and is excited about development opportunities in Queensland.
“With the state having the best solar irradiance in the country, our projects will contribute greatly to Australia’s renewable energy transformation and create hundreds of jobs in Queensland,” he said.
The company is currently holding talks with a number of offtake partners and it is working on securing grid-connection contracts for the three new parks, according to the statement.
In June, ESCO Pacific received planning consent from Townsville City Council for the development of a 135MW solar farm on a disused mango plantation at Ross River. The output of the $250 million plant is estimated to be enough to meet the annual power needs of approximately 50,000 average households per year.
Construction works are due to kick off early in 2017 and conclude within a year.
ESCO Pacific noted it is on track to achieve its 1000MW development goal.
