Octopus Investments Australia has acquired a 175 MW solar project, the Ardranda photovoltaic (PV), with a battery storage component in Queensland (QLD). It will add to the existing wind farm that will pave the path towards the state’s biggest multi-technology renewable energy hub.
The project will be built near the 180 MW Dulacca Wind Farm southwest of QLD, which is expected to be installed by 2025.
If you’re inspired by this progress and considering incorporating solar solutions, Energy Matters offers a seamless transition. Get FREE solar quotes to explore how your involvement can contribute to the evolving renewable energy hub in Queensland.
The Ardandra solar project
The project will be equipped with 400 MWh of battery storage.
According to Octopus Australia, “When constructed in 2025, Ardandra, in combination with Dulacca will create the ‘Western Downs Energy park.’” However, whether 2025 will be the start of construction or project completion is unclear.
It is unknown if Juwi, an EPC service provider that designs the plant, buy components and construct the power plant including infrastructure, made the plans, but the company’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, Christian Cronje said, “We are happy to have Octopus Australia take on the continued development.”
Strengthening its portfolio
The Ardandra project will be added to Octopus’ growing portfolio. It follows the company’s also newly-acquired New South Wales (NSW) wind project, the 400 MW Hay Plains, in May.
Their Western Downs Energy Park is also slated to be the first “truly integrated multi-technology renewable energy parks” in QLD and Australia. It consists of 43-turbine wind Dulacca Wind Farm backed by a 70 per cent off take deal with QLD government’s CleanCo.
Darren Brown, the co-head of investment and development at Octopus Australia said, “Integrated renewable and storage technologies allow clean energy to provide ‘firmed’ energy offerings, providing energy when customers need it most.”
Supporting QLD’s renewable energy targets
Octopus’ upcoming solar project in QLD will support one of the state’s plans in building local manufacturing capacity. The deputy premier of QLD, Steven Miles said, “We’re also building our local manufacturing capacity because we will need thousands of batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and kilometres of transitioning lines—and we want that equipment built here in Queensland, so Queensland’s get the benefits.”
The QLD government will legislate renewable energy targets:
- 50 per cent by 2030
- 70 per cent by 2032
- 80 per cent by 2035
This brings AU$62 billion of investment and at least 95 per cent in regional QLD.
The draft Energy Renewable Transformation and Jobs Bill 2023 also commit to bringing 22GW of new wind and solar projects by 2035, which will be supposed by grid-scale batteries and pumped hydro storage.
Annastacia Palaszczuk, the premier of Queensland said, “We are building the Queensland SuperGrid which will provide the backbone to our new energy system to transport renewable energy across the state. The legislation will also provide security for your energy workforce as the energy transition occurs.”
Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
Complete our quick Solar Quote Quiz to receive up to 3 FREE quotes from trusted local installers – it’ll only take you a few minutes and is completely obligation-free.
