Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has awarded a grant of $6 million to Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology – a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer – for its White Rock solar project.
Goldwind is looking to begin construction on the solar farm early in 2017 and be fully operational by the end of next year. The White Rock Solar Farm is going to be a 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant which is located next to the White Rock Wind Farm in New South Wales.
“Goldwind Australia is very pleased that White Rock Solar has been selected by ARENA through their very competitive and professional selection process. ARENA plays an important role in driving innovation in the renewable energy industry. White Rock Solar is to be located in the New England Tablelands of NSW adjacent to White Rock Wind Farm which is currently under construction and already providing significant local economic benefits. We are working closely with the community and really appreciate community support for these projects. Both projects will contribute to meeting Australia’s renewable energy target,” Goldwind Australia’s Managing Director John Titchen said.
The $45 million White Rock solar project – with $6 million given by the ARENA grant – is one of 12 renewable energy projects supported by ARENA through their latest round of funding. Other projects include the Emu Downs solar farm in Western Australia, six large-scale solar plants in Queensland and four more solar plants in New South Wales.
“ARENA had been a driving force in bringing down costs and accelerating the commerciality of large-scale solar in Australia and has carried out a multi-year plan to build capacity in Australian supply chains and expertise over successive projects,” ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said.
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Source: SeeNews Renewables and Goldwind Global