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Renewable Energy News

THURSDAY 05 JULY, 2012 |

Solar Power Helps Stave Off High Voltage Line Project

by Energy Matters

The prediction of solar power helping to delay or reduce electricity transmission infrastructure investment is a reality.

According to an ABC report, a reduction in electricity consumption and the rapid uptake of solar panels are among the factors behind behind a decision to delay work on a 330 kilovolt line between Lismore and Dumaresq in New South Wales.

The $227 million Transgrid project, a 215km link between existing substations near Bonshaw and Lismore, was due to start in the middle of next year but will now be on hold for at least three years; possibly even longer

The Project was originally initiated to meet peak summer electricity demand in the region, which reached record highs in 2009.

According to a report published last year, approximately 33% of the network investment projected to occur/have occurred in Australia between 2010 and 2015 was/is potentially avoidable if growth in demand was eliminated using measures such as distributed electricity generation; which includes solar panel systems.

In other Transgrid news, the company announced yesterday the signing of an agreement to connect Goldwind’s Gullen Range Wind Farm in the New South Wales Southern Tablelands to the Australian grid.

The Gullen Range Wind Farm, located approximately 20km West of Goulburn, will consist of 73 Goldwind PMDD turbines. Under the grid connection agreement, the wind farm can host up to 182.5MW capacity.

The site was chosen as it has some of the best wind resources in New South Wales and is located in close proximity to the electricity grid.

Part of the project includes an Community Enhancement Program that will see over $125,000 per year be given to residents and community groups within 10km from the wind farm.

Construction of the facility is planned to begin in October this year with the wind farm scheduled to be brought online in late 2013.