Solar Flagships Program

Moree Solar Farm

In June 2011 the Moree Solar Farm consortium, consisting of BP Solar, Fotowatia and Pacific Hydro, won contributory funding of $306.5 million in Round 1 of the Australian Government’s Solar Flagships Program. The Moree Solar Farm will be one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic power plants – a $923 million 150MW photovoltaic power plant in northern NSW. The project will also receive up to $120 million in funding from the NSW Government.

The Moree region was chosen by the consortium as it is one of the best sites in Australia for a solar project. Moree has some of the best solar resources in NSW, a strong electricity grid and suitable flat, flood free land. When operational, the Moree Solar Farm will produce enough electricity to power 45,000 homes, roughly equivalent to a town the size of Darwin. Over the 30 year lifetime of the plant, this will avoid 10.8 million tonnes of carbon pollution.

As part of the project the Australian Government will provide $65 million to a consortium lead by CSIRO and including researchers from The University of New South Wales, The University of Newcastle and Hunter TAFE to conduct research at the proposed Moree Solar Farm. The research will aim to enhance the performance, resilience and impact of the Moree Solar Farm and accelerate the development of the solar industry in Australia. Preliminary research will begin in 2011, with construction expected to commence in 2012, with completion and commissioning of the plant by the end of 2015.

Moree Solar Farm will provide significant positive economic impacts for the Moree region. Based on figures provided by the consortium, the project will employ about 300-400 people over the construction period and contribute between $100 - 125 million to the Moree economy. Once built, the solar farm and the Informational and Education Centre that will be constructed nearby, will be a key tourist attraction adding as up to $6 million in additional tourist expenditure per annum.

In total, the project is expected to contribute around $210 million to the NSW economy, of which between $100-125 million will have a direct impact on the Moree area.

More information including a video of the Commonwealth and State Government announcement of successful bids is available on the Moree Solar Farm website.