Following the extending of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Alinta Energy, APA Group is now planning to expand its 130MW wind farm in Badgingarra - near Jurien Bay, Western Australia - to include a new 17.5MW solar farm.
Once the expansion of Badgingarra is completed, its assets are going to be connected to the South West Interconnected System, providing power as far as Albany.
With the combined wind and solar PPA, Alinta Energy’s original 12-year PPA is going to be extended by another 5 years, continuing the agreement until 2035. Under their agreement, Alinta Energy will purchase all the generated energy as well as Large-scale Renewable Generation Certificates from both renewable energy farms.
“We were pleased to sign the initial power purchase agreement and very happy to extend it to include the solar farm. Badgingarra’s total output forms a significant part of our 1,000MW of renewables by 2020 target,” Alinta Energy managing Director and CEO Jeff Dimery said.
Works on the wind farm section of Badgingarra are already underway and completion is expected in 2019.
On the other hand, financial close for the solar farm is expected within the next few months. The solar farm is also subject to the finalisation of variations to the transmission connection with Western Power.
“It’s always pleasing to extend the relationship and services provided to existing long term customers such as Alinta Energy. We’ve also worked closely with other key stakeholders including Western power and the local community to bring this project to fruition.
“The 147.5MW combined Badgingarra wind and solar projects have complementary generation profiles. Like our adjoining Emu Downs wind and solar projects, the wind pattern in this region allows for the solar generation to utilise the existing substation and connection infrastructure. On completion, APA will have a renewable energy precinct capable of generating over 247.5MW of energy for the South West Interconnected System, Western Australia’s primary electricity grid,” APA Group Managing Director Mick McCormack said.
The 17.5MW Badgingarra solar farm is expected to be completed by 2019.
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Source: Business News WA, APA Group