CS Energy has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to purchase 100 per cent of the output of the 162 megawatt Columboola Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.
Project developer Luminous Energy today announced the PPA with CS Energy, along with completion of the sale of the solar farm project to Hana Financial Investment.
Under the PPA, CS Energy will buy 100 per cent of the output of the solar farm and onsell it to its large commercial and industrial retail customers, including Griffith University, CQUniversity and QUT.
CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said CS Energy was responding to the needs of large energy users like the universities by developing tailored solutions that met their needs in terms of energy usage, decarbonisation and energy management.
“Through this PPA CS Energy continues to diversify our portfolio and offer our retail customers renewable generation as part of their energy supply,” Mr Bills said.
“We’re excited to facilitate further renewable energy development in Queensland and help move the state closer to achieving its goal of 50 per cent renewables by 2030.”
Jolyon Orchard, CEO of the UK-based Luminous Energy, said Australia is a major market in the global solar revolution and the country’s solar industry has huge potential.
“This project showcases how innovation can help secure an impactful and prestigious PPA, such as that with CS Energy, and interest from a world class investor, such as Hana Financial Investment. It supports our vision to accelerate the growth of the global solar industry by generating low cost, reliable electricity while respecting the natural environment.”
The Columboola Solar Farm will feature solar technology such as bifacial panels that absorb light from both the front and the back, and single axis trackers that follow the sun.
The solar farm will be constructed near Miles and will power the equivalent of 100,000 homes. Construction will commence later this year.
In a statement, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham said the project would mean another 400 jobs for the renewable energy powerhouse of the Western Downs.
“With the government’s new renewable energy zone initiative for South-West Queensland, Columboola is set to be followed by ongoing new renewable energy projects and jobs,” Dr Lynham said.