Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer has welcomed news that Adani has gained pre-construction approval for its proposed solar farm in Whyalla.

In a statement, Adani said the planned solar power facility would be located approximately 10km north of Whyalla, at a vacant site which is nearly 400 hectares in size, delivering up to 140MW and 300,000 MWh of power each year.

Mayor Breuer has met regularly with representatives from Adani for updates on the project. The most recent meeting was in late July with Adani Renewables Australia CEO Dr Jennifer Purdie, where the Mayor was briefed on Adani’s project pre-construction applications which, now approved, pave the way for building to start.

A decision to fund the project is expected by the end of September, Adani told The Advertiser newspaper.

“On each occasion I have met with Adani, they have stressed how committed they are to this project,” Mayor Breuer said.

“They have kept me up to date with every step and approval they have put in place and have remained positive and upbeat about this new planned facility.”

Dr Purdie, announced today that the project had now received all the necessary approvals to commence construction.

“With all our approvals received we are now in the process of finalising commercial negotiations with customers,” Dr Purdie said.

“We recognise the aspirations of South Australians to deliver a reliable energy network through renewables.

“Adani Renewables Australia is eager to provide energy solutions to this ambition by contributing to an energy mix that is reliable, secure and affordable for all customers as we transition to a low emissions future.”

South Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment David Ridgway welcomed Adani’s planned investment and said the State’s Upper Spencer Gulf region has quickly become a national focal point for renewables energy projects.

“This is another welcome investment for Whyalla in particular as the investment of near A$200 million will create up to 150 construction jobs at the peak of construction and up to five ongoing jobs for the life of the project,” Mr Ridgway said.

Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said the plans for the solar farm helped confirm Whyalla’s growing reputation as the emerging renewable energy hub of South Australia.

“We’ve been working with Adani on this project to gain all the necessary approvals and put a lease agreement in place,” Mayor Breuer said.

“This State Government approval is another step forward for what would be another significant solar farm project in Whyalla.

“We congratulate Adani Renewables on this milestone and look forward to construction starting on this project with hopefully lots of local jobs created during the building stage and in the running of the facility.”

The company’s SA business manager, Peter Gayen told The Advertiser that projects incorporating batteries, wind and pumped storage would also be considered in the future.

“The Whyalla solar farm is our first project in South Australia, but it’s just the beginning,’’ he said.

“We are working with South Australia’s businesses on the Whyalla solar farm and look forward to working with them on other future projects to deliver affordable renewable energy solutions that will ultimately drive down electricity prices.”

Adani said the Whyalla solar farm was its second Australian solar project with construction on the Rugby Run solar farm near Moranbah, west of Mackay in North Queensland, due for completion later this year.

SISTER FARM: Adani officials inspect the Rugby Run Solar Farm in North Queensland. Picture: The Morning Bulletin