500 construction jobs in Rise Renewables $700m solar and hydro project
WORK on a $700 million solar and pumped hydropower development near Port Pirie would start next year, if the project wins development approval.
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WORK on a $700 million solar and pumped hydropower development near Port Pirie would start next year, if the project wins development approval.
Rise Renewables says about 500 people would find work during the project’s construction phase at Baroota, about 40km north of Port Pirie.
The development includes a pumped hydro set up, to provide up to 270MW of grid-connected power, and a solar farm, with 941,500 panels, generating up to 300MW.
If approved, Rise Renewables would need to raise finance for the project, before beginning building work next year.
Rise founder Brer Adams said the project would provide power around the clock through the two sources.
“Solar only generates during solar hours, from the middle of the morning through to late afternoon, with a peak during the middle of the day,” Mr Adams said.
“Pumped hydro is very different in that you can turn it on and off as required, so it’s energy on demand as the network needs it. Whenever those peak periods are, the pumped hydro … can be switched on and it generates for up to eight hours.”
The hydro component involves pumping water from an existing, currently disused, reservoir to a new one, about 240m higher in elevation.
“When the power is required, the water is released from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, and travels through a turbine and that’s where the power is generated,” Mr Adams said.
“It’s very proven technology that’s in practice in many countries through the world.”
The State Commission Assessment Panel is considering the plans.
Rise hopes the project will become operational in 2021, and once it’s complete, about 5-10 staff would be based on the site.
It incorporates farming land, a site owned by SA Water and property under control of the Wongi-Ahrah Aboriginal Association.
Nukunu elder Doug Turner, a spokesman for Wongi-Ahrah, hoped the project would bring positive outcomes for the “depressed area”.
“There’s people always looking for work and … something to happen in the local region,” Mr Turner said.
“This is just one of those projects that can add to the whole community. It will stimulate the local economy.”
A report to the State Commission Assessment Panel said indigenous sites and scattered artefacts had been found near the project site. Rise would work with the land’s traditional owners and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation to ensure its work complied with the Aboriginal Heritage Act.
Mount Remarkable Mayor Colin Nottle said his council was “fully supportive” of the project.
“In the regional areas it’s not all good news over the last few years, but this is a good news project,” Mr Nottle said.
“Certainly, it will be great for the future of Port Germain. It’s a massive investment.”
Plans have been released for public consultation, with submissions due on October 19.