Adani pursuing possible Queensland solar energy project

INDIAN mining giant Adani has incurred the wrath of green groups with its mega coalmine plans, but here’s one project environmentalists will welcome.

AFTER six years of frustration in trying to develop Australia’s biggest coalmine, Adani is now planning to build a solar power station in Queensland.

Adani Green Energy chief executive Jayant Parimal said the company was investigating a “large-scale solar power project’’ in Australia and Moranbah has been suggested as the most likely.

GREEN LIGHT: Megamine set for approval

NO MORE DELAYS: Adani wants assurance

“We have applied for a licence and after we get this then we will start planning for the plant,” Mr Parimal said.

Ergon Energy is currently holding tenders for the supply of about 150 megawatts from solar providers under the renewable energy target and the State Government has an auction for another 60 megawatts.

Greens Energy spokesman Adam Bandt said when coal miners like Adani started building solar power stations, “you know coal is in serious trouble’’.

“Coal is in structural decline and it makes much more sense economically and environmentally to invest in renewables,’’ Mr Bandt said.

Abbot Point, which will be connected to the planned Carmichael coal megamine.

However, Adani if there is structural decline Adani hasn’t taken much notice. It is also planning to build two massive coal-fired power stations in India expected to cost more than $US2 billion.

Both AGL and Origin Energy also have plans to diversify into solar energy, but among coal producers Adani is considered a frontrunner.

Greenpeace climate change campaigner Shani Tager said the Adani solar scheme appeared to be in its early stages and if it was a genuine strategy by Adani it would have to be welcomed.

“They are sending mixed messages by still pushing the Carmichael coal mine while at the same time as developing domestic solar,’’ she said.

“It could be a good sign that they are recognising the impact of climate change.’’

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said he was aware that Adani were a diversified energy business, and that they had indicated an interest in expanding their solar production.

“I welcome any private sector interest in growing Queensland’s renewable energy industry, and the jobs of the future that go with it,” Mr Bailey said.

The company has plans for a 1000 megawatt solar power station in India. By contrast, Queensland’s biggest power station, at Gladstone, is 1600Mw.