Photovoltaic solar systems developer First Solar has announced that AGL Energy has secured financial close for two utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.
First Solar has entered into engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts with AGL to provide advanced thin-film PV modules along with EPC services for the solar projects.
Scope of the contract also includes maintenance support at the solar plants for around five years, when operational.
As per the agreed terms, First Solar will construct 102MW solar plant at Nyngan and a 53MW solar project at Broken Hill. The total cost of these projects is anticipated to be around $450m.
Construction of the Nyngan project will begin in January 2014 and is expected to become operational by mid-2015, while the construction of the Broken Hill project will start in July 2014, and is slated to become operational by the end of 2015.
First Solar Asia Pacific Business Development vice president Jack Curtis said that the Nyngan and Broken Hill solar projects are expected to be Australia’s largest utility-scale solar projects.
"These projects will play an important part in the growing acceptance of utility-scale solar PV, and we applaud the Commonwealth Government and the NSW Government for their vision and commitment to the sector," added Curtis.