A new 100MW solar farm is set to be built in Benger, Western Australia after the proposed renewable energy project was voted to be advertised for public comment by the Harvey Shire Council.
South Energy’s $150 million Benger Solar Farm is going to be located on a 187-hectare site approximately 15 kilometres south of Harvey and 20 kilometres north-east of Bunbury.
“The councillors and the development services committee are supportive of the proposal as they can see the various benefits this prospective project could bring to the community and the greater region,” South Energy Project Manager Baifu Du said.
Project location (source: South Energy)
Once constructed, the Benger Solar Farm is expected to produce enough clean energy to power up to 35,000 homes. It is also anticipated to assist in minimising the country’s carbon emission by about 210,000 tonnes annually.
Currently, the proposed project is to go to a Joint Development Assessment Panel for consideration.
“Given the scale of the proposal, after the advertising period a further report will be brought to council.
“The application proposes a Renewable Energy Facility operating approximately 265,200 solar PV panels on a single-axis tracking system,” Harvey Shire Chief Executive Officer Annie Riordan said.
Construction on the Benger Solar Farm is expected to begin in 2020, with up to 250 jobs to be supported. This new renewable energy project is due to be operational in 2022, with a 30-year operational life.
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Source: The West Australian; Renew Economy; Bunbury Mail; South Energy - Benger Solar Farm