Study set to assess hybrid project

QUEENSLANDERS are being called on to help build one of Australia’s largest solar hybrid baseload power plants, 10km west of Mount Isa.

The North West Queensland Hybrid Power Project combines Vast Solar’s modular tower concentrating solar thermal power technology with photovoltaic, battery and gas engine generators to deliver 50MW W of low cost, r e l i a b l e , clean energy.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni (pictured) said publicly owned generator Stanwell partnered with Vast Solar in March to undertake the $10m feasibility study.

“The development of the proposed NWQHPP will need a highly skilled workforce during the two-year build and dozens of permanent skilled jobs over the 30-year life of the plant,” Mr de Brenni said.

He said the project aligned with his government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target and Buy Queensland procurement policy.

Vast Solar CEO Craig Wood said the project was calling for expressions of interest from contractors across a range of workstreams.

“Building the plant will require collaboration between local, regional and national experts from a range of fields, and will involve hundreds of workers from Mount Isa and the surrounding area,” Mr Wood said.

The joint study is expected to be completed in late 2021 and if approved energy could start flowing from 2023 as part of a staggered construction program.

For more information visit: www.nwqhpp.com.