SolarReserve's $650m solar thermal plant given the construction go-ahead

The South Australian Government has given development approval to a new solar thermal plant at Port Augusta, with construction set to commence this year.

SolarReserve’s 150MW Aurora plant – with a project value of $650 million – is expected to supply 100 per cent of the SA Government’s electricity load from 2020. The solar thermal plant will be utilising mirrors to heat molten salt and store energy.

“This important milestone is a significant step in the development of the Aurora solar thermal power station, which bring SolarReserve’s world-leading clean power generation technology to South Australia,” SolarReserve CEO Kevin Smith said.

Aurora will also be supplying electricity to the broader market which will enhance competition as well as put downward pressure on power prices.

The Aurora solar thermal plant is located 30 kilometres north of Port Augusta and is going to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Aurora is expected to create up to 650 local jobs during construction as well as 50 ongoing jobs once it is operational.

“It’s fantastic that SolarReserve has received development approval to move forward with this world-leading project that will deliver clean, dispatchable renewable energy to supply our electrified rail, hospitals, schools and other major government buildings.

“This approval triggers an investment of about $650 million, will create a total of about 700 construction and ongoing jobs in Port Augusta and will add new competition to the South Australian market, putting downward pressure on power prices,” Acting Energy Minister Chris Picton said.

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Source: Premier of South Australia