Australia’s first hybrid solar wind farm is contributing more than just energy to the community.
The Gullen Solar Farm in the NSW Southern Tablelands officially opened February 1, but it’s already active in community fundraising.
At the annual Crookwell Show last weekend, solar farm staff raised funds for the Grabben Gullen Community Hall and Grabben Gullen Community Progress Association.
Grabben Gullen had a population of 253 in the 2016 census. Pam Reeves, secretary of the Grabben Gullen Community Hall committee, said the money raised at the show will go towards removing asbestos from the hall.
Wind and solar power making a difference
The 42,000 panel Gullen Solar Farm is co-located with a 73-turbine wind farm, both owned by Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (BJCE) and Goldwind (Capital) Australia. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) helped fund the project.
The solar farm has a peak capacity of 10 MW, while the wind farm peaks at 165.5 MW.
BJCE Project Manager Tim Mead said the company is “thrilled” to make a difference in Grabben Gullen.
“We sincerely believe giving back to the communities in which we operate is an integral part of what we do,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be able to help two local charities make a difference in Grabben Gullen.”
Hybrid Solar wind Farm: ‘Historic’ mix of wind and solar power
Weiwei Shi, General Manager of BJCE Australia, described the dual clean energy plant as “historic”.
“Gullen Solar Farm is an important demonstration project,” he said. “It proves the advantages of co-locating energy infrastructure, which effectively minimizes costs and environmental impacts. The combined facility can power more than 70,000 average homes.”
But despite its weekend fundraising, the new solar farm has some catching up to do with its wind-driven cousin. Gullen Range Wind Farm has contributed approximately $500,000 in community benefit and sponsorship locally since commencing operation in late 2014.
BJCE’s next clean energy project is the Biala Wind Farm, a 31-turbine wind farm in Biala NSW.
