Indian energy giant Adani signs deal to build $200 million solar plant in Whyalla
CONSTRUCTION on a $200 million Whyalla solar plant is scheduled to begin with an Indian energy giant signing a deal to lease a parcel of land.
CONSTRUCTION on a $200 million Whyalla solar plant is scheduled to begin late next year after Indian energy giant Adani signed a deal to lease a parcel of land.
The 120MW solar generation plant is planned to be in operation by late 2018, with the construction phase expected to create 350 jobs.
Adani said the project had the potential to eventually reach a capacity of up to 150 MW, which would make it one of the largest solar farms in Australia.
Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer said it was a big boost for Whyalla and would bring “major benefits” to the region.
“We have been working with Adani for quite some time now to reach this agreement,
and we are very much looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition,” she said.
Giles MP Eddie Hughes said Adani was one of several solar companies looking at opportunities to set up operations in Whyalla.
The project could be “just the tip of the iceberg”, he said.
“Since 1998 Whyalla has wanted to become the solar capital,” said Mr Hughes.
“It’s the realisation of the dream to have a major proponent come to us.”
Mr Hughes said the operation added to a feeling of enhanced optimism in the region, with hopes high Arrium would find a buyer for the Whyalla steelworks.
The plant, just to the north of the Whyalla industrial estate, would create five full-time jobs when it was fully operational.
It is one of two solar farms the Carmichael mine owner has announced this week, with another planned for the Queensland mining town Moranbah.