New South Wales clears 300-MW solar project by FRV
November 30 : The New South Wales government has given the thumbs up to a 300-MW solar project proposed by the Aussie unit of Spain-based Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV).
The AUD-399-million (USD 294.6m/EUR 245.9m) Walla Walla scheme has secured conditional approval from the state’s planning commission on Friday. Its developer is part of Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel Energy.
The positive decision was taken following a thorough assessment by the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment. The Commission has ruled out that the project is in line with the state’s environmental planning and assessment regulations and is in the public interest. Its approval, however, contains a range of conditions that aim to offset potential adverse impacts on the environment and sets requirements for the plant’s decommissioning and land rehabilitation. A condition for removing the solar farm’s entire infrastructure, including underground cables, has also been adopted.
The solar project, designated as a state significant development, will be installed on agricultural land near Walla Walla, in the state’s Riverina region. It will use around 900,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on single-axis trackers. FRV Services Australia Pty Ltd says on the project’s website that construction will be launched in the first quarter of 2021, while commissioning is scheduled for the last quarter of 2022.
Source : renewablesnow
