Port Augusta in South Australia is going to be home to a new $650 million 150MW solar thermal power plant, which is set to supply all the State Government’s power needs.
“The Port Augusta story is a stark example of the transition of the South Australian economy, with the closure of a dirty coal fired power station, and now the commissioning of this world leading renewable energy project,” Premier Jay Weatherill said.
SolarReserve has been awarded the contract to build the large-scale solar thermal plant – called the Aurora Solar Energy Project – which is expected to be operational within three years’ time.
“SolarReserve looks forward to continuing to work with the South Australian Government and stakeholders, including the Port Augusta community where the project is located, to support Federal and State renewable energy targets, stimulate long-term economic development and create new jobs and businesses,” SolarReserve CEO Kevin Smith said.
The company is going to pay for the construction of the plant and the State Government will buy the power that the finished plant will be generating over a 20-year contract period. Aurora will be able to store between eight to ten hours of energy, allowing it to operate even when the sun is not shining.
Construction on the Aurora Solar Energy Project is projected to begin in 2018 and completed by 2020, with the project expected to create up to 650 full-time construction jobs.
“The Aurora Solar Energy Project will also create new, advanced employment opportunities in regional South Australia. We are using our energy plan to drive investment and jobs in this growing sector,” Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said.
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Source: Premier of South Australia, ABC News and The Advertiser