AC ENERGY UNIT TO FAST-TRACK SOLAR FARM PROJECT IN AUSTRALIA

The Ayala group’s AC Energy Inc. through an Australia-based affiliate is gearing up to fast-track the construction of a 720-megawatt solar farm in New South Wales (NSW), having inked a connection agreement with the local grid operator.

In a joint statement, UPCAC Renewables Australia—a 50-50 joint venture with UPC Renewables—said the agreement with Transgrid secured the delivery of electricity from the planned

New England Solar Farm to the grid through Transgrid’s 330-kilovolt transmission line from Tamworth to Armidale in Northeast NSW.

The power facility, construction of which will take three years, is expected to produce enough renewable energy to cover the needs of about 250,000 households.

Preconstruction works have started as UPCAC earlier this year secured development approval from the NSW Independent Planning Commission.

Also, UPCAC plans to install a large-scale lithium-ion battery storage facility, which will help ensure power grid stability and firm up the company’s capability to deliver electricity at peak periods. The company said these factors will help lower prices for consumers.

“This is an exciting development to finalize the connection agreement for one of the largest solar farms in the [Australian] national electricity market,” UPCAC Renewables chief executive Anton Rohner said.

“This was one of the last pieces of the development puzzle. We will now look to commence construction activities shortly,” Rohner said.

He added said the project would benefit the local community—uralla town and around —with up to 500 direct jobs during construction stage.

Patrice Clausse, chief operating officer of AC Energy International, said the New England solar farm would put UPCAC Renewables “at the forefront of harnessing Australia’s strong potential in renewable energy and its world-class solar resources.”