120 MW Munna Creek project receives development approval

Another big utility scale project solar project has taken a step forward in Queensland. The Munna Creek Solar Farm, which is the only project currently being proposed by REST Energy, was approved this week and welcomed by local Mayor as “fantastic news”.

The Fraser Coast is already home to a community solar farm that is located on four hectares of the Hebblewhite Farm at Nikenbah.

Image: Fraser Coast Regional Council

Share

The Fraser Coast Regional Council has approved an application from Brisbane-based REST Energy to develop a 120 MW solar farm. If the project moves ahead, it is scheduled for completion by 2020.

Fraser Coast Mayor Chris Loft was happy to see the approval granted, saying that he hoped that a project of such a size would attract jobs to the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay region and a “catalyst to attract business and universities to set up research projects.”

The region has aspirations to become, “the solar capital of Queensland,” Loft added.

The Fraser Coast Chronicle reports that Munna Creek is one of four large scale renewable projects under development in the region. It comes alongside the Susan River solar farm, near Maryborough, and the Childers solar farm, near Bundaberg, which are being developed by Esco. Both projects are being 100% financed by private equity from the UK, the Chronicle reports, and will trade on a merchant basis.

REST Energy reports that its $200 million Munna Creek project would create 300 jobs during construction and 15 during operation. The company has purchased the 250 hectares for the solar farm and says that it is in negotiations with potential EPC partners.

Munna Creek would connect to the Ergon network, and REST Energy CEO Frank Wang says that its planning for grid connection was “progressing well and [is] on track”.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.