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Adani lodges application for solar plant at Whyalla
Diversified infrastructure company, Adani, has lodged a development application with the State Government of South Australia for a $200 million solar energy farm just outside Whyalla.
The plant will generate 100MW, with potential capacity of up to 150MW, making it one of the larger solar farms in South Australia.
Construction is planned to start in early 2018 and operation from early 2019.
Adani, the largest solar energy generator in India, is planning a number of solar projects in Australia with a total capacity of 1,500MW within the next five years.
Chief Executive Officer of Adani Australia Renewable Energy, Jennifer Purdie, said the workforce on the Whyalla solar project would peak at 150 employees during construction, with up to five full time operation staff.
“Opportunities exist for South Australia based electricians, technicians, engineers, project managers and projects directors,” Ms Purdie said. “In addition to those jobs for locals, the indirect employment benefits will flow from Adani’s policy to buy from local suppliers first.”
Ms Purdie said it was proposed that the solar farm would inject its power into the 132kv network between the Whyalla Central and Cultana substations.
Adani had undertaken stakeholder engagement to understand and work with expectations regarding the project.
“This was a very positive process for us and, I believe, all stakeholders,” Ms Purdie said.
“The Whyalla Solar Farm provides an opportunity to diversify the local economy, as well as provide the potential for community members and industry to gain new skills in a growth industry. In addition, the project will provide the region with an environmentally sustainable power plant that will help to reinforce the local supply.”
Whyalla mayor Lyn Breuer said Whyalla City Council supported Adani’s solar project and acknowledged the important part renewable projects would play in the city’s economy into the future.
“The council looks forward to seeing Adani’s solar energy project come to fruition, and is excited by the benefits the project offers to the city of Whyalla and the region,” Ms Breuer said.
“Whyalla has been identified as an ideal location for the development of solar projects, thanks to our 300 days of sunshine and for providing access to high quality solar resources.
“The council has a strong vision for renewable energy in the region, and believes Adani’s solar farm project will play a large part in developing a renewable future for Whyalla and the surrounding regions.”
The project will also help Adani realise its ambition to become the world’s largest renewable energy generator with more than 10,000MW by 2022.