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Renewable Energy News

TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 2010 |

Major Solar Farm For Victoria

by Energy Matters

The Victorian Government announced this morning a commitment of $100 million to help construct a solar farm south of Mildura.

The Mallee Solar Park will deliver approximately 345 gigawatt hours of electricity a year - enough to power 60,000 homes annually.

Victorian Premier John Brumby says Mallee Solar Park would generate 200 new jobs in construction and 20 ongoing jobs.

"This investment is about capitalising on Victoria’s potential to generate renewable energy and forms a key part of our commitment to increase Victoria’s electricity supply from large-scale solar power to five per cent by 2020," said Premier Brumby.

Under TRUenergy’s proposal, a solar panel based power generation facility will be constructed on 600 hectares site about 10 kilometres south of Mildura. Construction is due to commence in 2012 and be completed by 2015.

Mr. Brumby says the Mallee Solar Park project and other renewable energy projects resulting from the Government's Climate Change White Paper Action Plan are expected to drive new investment in Victoria of between $6 and $10 billion.

TRUenergy's proposal was selected through an independent tender under the Victorian Large Scale Solar Project.

Minister for Energy and Resources Peter Batchelor said the new solar farm will build on Silex Solar's large-scale demonstration photovoltaic solar project; also planned for near Mildura, which is being supported by a $50 million Brumby Labor Government grant.

With $100 million from the Victorian Government, Mr. Batchelor says the Mallee Solar Park is now a "stand-out" for funding from the Commonwealth's Solar Flagship Program.