150 jobs at solar farm 100MW project expected to start construction in coming months

WORK on the 100MW Yarranlea Solar Plant, valued in excess of $100 million, is expected to begin in coming months.

The mammoth project will involve installing more than 400,000 solar panels, and proponent Risen Energy expects earthworks will get under way at its Murlaggan Rd site outside of Pittsworth in late April or early May.

Risen Energy renewable development manager Andrew Owen said the project would employ roughly 150 people at the peak of construction.

“Initially we might start off with about 20 people doing bulk earthworks, and then ramp up once earthworks are finished,” Mr Owen said.

The company will also plant screening trees around the full extent of the solar farm to reduce the potential visual impact on neighbouring properties.

There would be potential for local employment opportunities during project construction, Mr Owen said.

He said the best bet for people or businesses wanting to get involved in the project was to head to Yarranleasolar.com.au and use the “contact us” link to provide people’s details and skills.

“We will be appointing either one or two major contractors to undertake the (construction) works,” he said.

“What we will do is pass on the details of anyone who’s expressed an interest in being involved, whether it’s an accommodation supplier, or a backhoe owner, or even a person interested in doing labouring or semi-skilled work.

“We will be passing on those details to the successful tenderers for the construction.”

Detailed design work for the solar farm is currently under way.

“We look forward to becoming part of the community,” Mr Owen said.

The company is hoping to complete the project by late this year or early 2019.

The solar farm is projected to produce enough electricity to power 52,800 homes.