First Solar and AGL receive grant for mega solar project

AGL Energy has selected First Solar as its project partner for two utility-scale, solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects totalling 159 MW. The projects are supported by the Solar Flagships Program, which offers funding to support the construction of large-scale, grid-connected solar (PV and thermal) power stations.

Under the program, First Solar will design, construct and maintain a 106 MW project in Nyngan and a 53 MW project in Broken Hill. The company will design and construct the integrated PV power plants, using its thin-film PV modules for both projects. For the first five years of commercial operation, First Solar will maintain the projects for AGL Energy.

“This is a significant step forward for the utility-scale solar industry in Australia - an order of magnitude increase in project size - and a testimony to the confidence our customers have in First Solar technology and its performance in some of the hottest and harshest conditions in the world,” said First Solar CEO Jim Hughes.

The projects are expected to produce 350 GWh of energy annually - enough electricity for 30,000 homes.

First Solar says the projects will create about 450 jobs at peak construction. Construction will begin in 2014, and commercial operation is expected in 2015.