Solar project promises 400 jobs

A PROPOSED solar farm near Townsville would deliver 400 jobs during construction and help power a nearby industrial precinct.

Solar developer Edify Energy is planning the project 40km south of the city opposite Townsville City Council’s Lansdown Industrial Precinct.

Edify Energy’s Andrew Stiel said the $400 million project had multiple benefits, providing low-cost energy and helping to connect the precinct to the electricity grid.

A MAJOR solar farm and battery storage project could help to power and connect an industrial precinct outside Townsville as well as create about 400 construction jobs.

Solar developer Edify Energy plans the project 40km south of the city opposite Townsville City Council’s Lansdown Industrial Precinct.

Edify Energy spokesman Andrew Stiel said the $400 million project had multiple benefits, providing low-cost energy and helping to connect the precinct to the electricity grid.

“Our objective is to supply really cheap rates of electricity at that site and provide access to the network,” he said.

“Hopefully that will be the signal for other industrial users to come in and establish in that precinct.

“During construction the solar farm will provide about 400 jobs.”

A $2 billion battery factory, a $300 million battery metals refinery, and a $23 million motorsport and driver education complex are planned for the precinct, although so far only the partially funded motorsport facility has been confirmed.

Other players are understood to be interested in the 1500ha precinct the council acquired almost 20 years ago to encourage the growth of new industries.

Edify Energy has secured approvals for its Majors Creek Solar Farm on a 540ha property near the intersection of the Flinders Highway and Woodstock Giru Rd.

Mr Stiel said a 200 megawatt first-stage project could ultimately be doubled to 400 megawatts, while 50 megawatt battery storage would support daytime power use either side of solar generation.

Power lines to connect the precinct and electricity network were also planned.

Mr Stiel said the company was working to secure finance for the project over the next six to eight months, to make a financial commitment in the first quarter of next year.

“We’d then start building immediately,” Mr Stiel said.

Lansdown battery metals proponent John Downie said they were “very, very, very interested” in Edify Energy’s project, while recognising it was not a complete answer to their electricity needs.

He said the two “big attractions” were that it was renewable energy and close to their site with the potential for a “behind the meter” supply.

“Ultimately, that should result in cheaper power,” Mr Downie said.

Driveit spokesman Pat Driscoll said the quality of the grid was a problem in that area and having local, reliable power would be a great benefit.