Northern Midlands Solar Farm set to shine following Hydro Tasmania commercial agreement
A $500 million solar farm planned for one of Tasmania’s oldest sheep stations has moved a step closer to reality, with an agreement signed today to purchase its electricity. Who’s partnered up with the new project.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A $500 million solar farm planned for one of Tasmania’s oldest sheep stations has moved a step closer to reality, with Hydro Tasmania signing a commercial deal to purchase its electricity.
The 288 megawatt Northern Midlands Solar Farm proposal, to be built by energy firm TasRex on the 200-year-old Connorville property near Cressy, will become Tasmania’s fourth-largest generator when completed, producing enough electricity to power 70,000 homes.
TasRex chief executive, Bess Clark, said Tasmania’s first large-scale solar project was expected to create 370 jobs through its construction phase, and help push down power prices when it began generating electricity in 2027.
Ms Clark said the farm was the first step in TasRex’s ambition to generate five gigawatts of renewable energy every year through new wind and solar projects across the state.
“This transformative project redefines the possibilities for solar energy development in Tasmania and is an important step towards the government’s 200 per cent renewable energy target,” she said.
“TasRex is excited about the benefits this project will bring to Tasmania, enabling more local clean energy and supporting local jobs for decades to come.
“It’s a confidential commercial agreement struck through a competitive process, but it will deliver fantastic price outcomes for Tasmanians, and has given us the ability to progress the project.”
Hydro Tasmania acting chief executive, Erin van Maanen, said the agreement not only provided TasRex with the confidence to proceed with its development, but offered a glimpse into the future of the state’s energy base.
“This will be a significant asset within the state, and the fourth-largest generator outside of the Gordon and Poatina hydropower stations, and the Tamar Valley Power Station,” Ms van Maanen said.
“That really demonstrates Hydro Tasmania’s commitment to see new energy developments proceed in the state, when we think about meeting the future energy needs of Tasmania.
“It’s all about diversity … so new generation from variable renewables like solar and wind is really complementary to the hydropower portfolio we have here in Tasmania.”
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the offtake agreement between TasRex and Hydro Tasmania would support jobs, and help move the government closer to its renewable energy targets.
Labor spokesperson for Energy and Renewables, Janie Finlay, welcomed the contract announcement by saying Tasmanian businesses were “crying out” for new energy generation, while Greens Energy spokesperson Vica Bayley called for transparency on how much Hydro Tasmania had agreed to pay.
“We have visited the site of the Northern Midlands Solar Farm and support its development on private, cleared agricultural land,” Mr Bayley said.
“With Hydro appearing before government business enterprise scrutiny this week, the announcement is timely. The agreement should be released ahead of Tuesday’s hearing so it can be discussed openly and transparently.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Northern Midlands Solar Farm set to shine following Hydro Tasmania commercial agreement
Two bushfire advice alerts added to tally
TFS crews already battling 20 fires across the state are now responding to two upgraded fires, which are now at advice alert level. The latest.
Eastern Shore veterinary clinic gutted by fire
An Eastern Shore veterinary clinic has suffered ‘extensive damage’ from an early morning fire, with staff stating their ‘hearts are broken’. The latest.