X-ELIO will commence construction of its 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm, creating up to 400 local jobs and delivering a more than $200 million investment in Queensland (Australia).
The solar farm will connect to Powerlink’s transmission network and is expected to deliver 420 GWh green energy annually, powering 80,000 Queensland homes and offsetting more than 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. X-ELIO has also partnered with Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) provider Gransolar Group (GRS), with full operation expected in late 2021
The Blue Grass Solar Farm is X-ELIO’s largest solar farm in Australia and forms part of its planned expansion along Australia’s East Coast, with additional projects planned for New South Wales and Victoria
A new $200 million solar farm project in Queensland’s Western Downs will create up to 400 new local jobs from this month, with leading global energy provider X-ELIO securing regulatory and financial approvals to launch construction at its Blue Grass Solar Farm.
The 200MW Blue Grass Solar Farm, located 14km from Chinchilla in Queensland, has received the support of state and local governments, with a launch event to be held in early 2021.
Western Down Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was fantastic to see the Blue Grass Solar Farm progressing to construction.
“The Western Downs is earning its place as the renewable energy powerhouse in Australia, and it’s fantastic to see another project creating local jobs and boosting our economy,We have the optimum climate, landscape and location for renewable energy, with a skilled workforce and great liveability to back growth in the sector.”
Cr McVeigh
X-ELIO will partner with Queensland’s transmission network provider, Powerlink, connecting to its 132kV network in order to power 80,000 Queensland homes and deliver an anticipated 420 GWh of green energy annually once construction of the solar farm is complete in late 2021. Powerlink will also deliver the new grid connection assets associated with the project.
Global solar specialist, Gransolar Group (GRS), has been appointed as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project.
Both partnerships complement X-ELIO’s recently announced Virtual Power Purchase (VPP) Agreement with Salesforce – the global technology company’s first renewable energy offtake agreement in Australia.
“Another milestone for X-ELIO in Australia. We are very excited to announce the go ahead of the construction of Blue Grass, which will create employment and bring dynamism to the local economy”.
Lluis Noguera, CEO of X-ELIO
“The Blue Grass Solar Farm demonstrates X-ELIO’s commitment to developing high-quality and locally responsible renewable projects, and we’re humbled by the support received from local land holders, businesses and councils, as well as our partners Powerlink, GRS and Salesforce. We understand our role in the local community and look forward to being able to give back by dedicating a percentage of the project’s annual gross income to a Community Support and Benefit Sharing Program. This program will fund local community programs from the first year of the project’s operation in 2022.”
Belinda Fan, X-ELIO’s Country Manager in Australia
“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with X-ELIO to connect the Blue Grass Solar Farm to the National Electricity Market. Planning activities for the grid connection project are well advanced and involve connecting the solar farm to Powerlink’s existing network on the Western Downs via a new substation at Cameby. On-ground construction works are expected to commence in early 2021.”
Paul Simhauser, Powerlink Chief Executive
“We are proud and eager to work with X-ELIO on such an important project.”
Carlos López, GRS Managing Director in Australia
Beyond the Blue Grass Solar Farm, which will offset more than 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, X-ELIO continues to expand its operations in Australia, with additional utility scale PV projects expected to commence construction in the next 18 months, including the Wunghnu project in Victoria and the Forest Glen project in New South Wales.
These farms represent X-ELIO’s significant strategic ambitions in Australia and the beginning of the company’s journey to grow its footprint in Australia’s renewable energy market.
About X-ELIO:
X-ELIO is a leading company specialized in the development, construction, financing and operation of photovoltaic plants with global presence in Europe, United States, Latin America, Japan and Australia. The firm counts with 15 years of experience in the industry with more than 2.5 GW built and 25 PV plants in operation and presence in 10 countries. In 2019 it achieved a revenue in excess of €100M. The group is a global leader in renewable and sustainable energy, with a strong commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the fight against climate change.
About Powerlink
Powerlink is a State Government Owned Corporation, which owns, develops, operates and maintains the high voltage electricity transmission network that extends 1700km from north of Cairns to the New South Wales border. Find out more about Powerlink: www.powerlink.com.au/About_Powerlink.
About Gransolar
GRS is a company specialised in the construction of photovoltaic solar plants and their connection to the grid, with a great international projection and operating in the five continents. With more than 15 years of experience and 104 plants in operation worldwide, its services and solutions guarantee the viability of any installation. The company has over 2 GW of installed power worldwide and has 1 GW under development. In the O&M business line, GRS operates more than 1.9 GW. The company’s business strategy, which consists of developing, building and operating small and large projects, adapting to different needs, has allowed it to reach a level of excellence to continue growing as one of the main international EPC constructors.
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