Pacific Hydro’s drive to increase renewable energy generation in Australia was significantly boosted last month, with planning permission granted for two major solar projects in Victoria and Queensland.
Image: Pacific Hydro wins approval for two solar projects in Australia. Photo: Courtesy of RK008/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Prairie Solar Farm is a proposed 240MWac project located near Mitiamo in northern Victoria, and received planning permission from Loddon Shire Council on Monday 14 January. The Clarke Creek Solar Farm is located north of Rockhampton in Queensland, and received a Material Change of Use permit from Isaac Regional Council for the 315MWac project in the last fortnight.
“Together these projects represent 555 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, forecast to generate enough electricity to power more than 300,000 Australian homes,” Pacific Hydro Australia CEO Rachel Watson said today.
“As a long-term builder, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects, being granted planning permission for two major projects simultaneously is a very significant achievement and is a testament to the skills and capability of our team,” she continued.
The planning applications received positive feedback from Loddon Shire Council, Isaac Regional Council, and referral agencies for their high quality, and consideration of a broad range of aspects.
Reflecting on the application processes, Ms Watson said that involving key stakeholders and communities from the very beginning is as important to Pacific Hydro’s success as technical and financial factors.
“We are grateful to all stakeholders for their involvement, interest and support; we are now looking forward to realising all the benefits that our renewable energy projects bring, particularly to regional communities”, she said.
Pacific Hydro can now commission detailed technical studies and analysis to progress both projects.
Source: Company Press Release