The state government of Queensland has approved Fotowatio Renewable Ventures’ 130-megawatt solar farm at Clare in the Burdekin Shire.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad approved the A$400 million (US$283 million) solar farm development application after calling it in and undertaking a thorough reassessment of the project.
“The solar farm, located south-west of Ayr, will provide ongoing benefits to the local economy by delivering a safe, reliable and affordable alternate energy source,” Trad said. “We made an election commitment to provide a stable and regulatory environment to encourage private sector investment and grow the renewable energy industry across the state.
“It will also help meet the service demand projects contained in the State Infrastructure Plan, which predicts energy demand in regional Queensland will grow from 74.71 gigawatts per week today to 95.93 GW/week in 2036.
“My decision to approve the development has been made after seeking advice from Burdekin Shire Council, energy providers and other key state agencies.”
The project will be developed on 238 hectares of photo voltaic panels on 340 hectares of privately held farmland.
