For info: From Energy News Bulletin todayAustralia’s biggest...

For info: From Energy News Bulletin today

Australia’s biggest solar farm approved

Wednesday, 3 July 2013

AUSTRALIAN Capital Territory Environment Minister Simon Corbell has approved a 20 megawatt solar farm in the state, describing it as the largest in Australia to date.



In a statement Corbell said the project next to the Monaro Highway would contribute to a reduction of 560,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over 20 years and generate enough electricity to generate 4400 homes.



However, the project still has some conditions to clear before construction can begin.


Firstly it must meet all environmental approvals including the implementation of an environmental protection agreement, and then gain a waterway works license, containment assessment, environment protection agreement, and a land management agreement. It also has to put forward pollution control plans.


Corbell also said he had taken in the views of nearby residents who were worried about the visual impact of the farm.


He said an independent visual impact assessment had found that the farm would have a “negligible” impact on most houses in the area.


Still, additional plantings would be conducted to partly screen the development.