Construction is now set to begin on the $300 million Kiamal Solar Farm development in Victoria, with Total Eren - a joint venture between fossil fuel majors Total and renewable energy company EREN RE - resolving the connection issues that has delayed the delivery of the project.
The 200MW solar farm is going to be located near the town of Ouyen near Mildura, and it is set to become the State’s largest solar farm development so far.
In order to address the connection issues that has blocked the development of the solar farm, Total Eren has decided to include a large synchronous condenser (syncon) to the project. Synchronous condensers are rotating machines that do not necessarily produce power, but helps strengthen the system when needed. The synchronous condenser that is going to be installed at the Kiamal Solar Farm will provide a fault contribution of approximately 600MVA, which is almost three times the size of solar farm’s peak output.
Source: Renew Economy
Total Eren’s Michael Vawser told Renew Economy: “This is a good news story for north west Victoria because it will substantially strengthen the system for all users.”
“Having syncons in the system will be a necessary part of the transition to a renewable energy future. We are just leading that charge, which is why we are so excited,” Mr Vawser added.
The Kiamal Solar Farm is anticipated to create of 300 direct local jobs during its construction and employ up to 10 people once it is operational.
The new solar farm is expected to be completed and commissioned in mid-2019.
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Source: Renew Economy; Kiamal Solar Farm