Darling Downs Solar Farm Officially Opened

One of Australia’s largest solar farms, APA Group’s Darling Downs Solar Farm, has been officially opened by Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy the Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham MP. The farm, a photovoltaic generation facility comprising 423,360 solar panels installed over 250 hectares, is capable of generating 110 megawatts (AC), which is enough to power 36,000 homes.

The $200 million Darling Downs Solar Farm project was developed and constructed with the help of a $20 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

The project is underpinned by a long-term offtake agreement with Origin Energy Limited (ASX: ORG) to purchase all of the energy and the Large-scale Renewable Generation Certifications (LGCs) generated by the solar farm until 2030.

“Our new Darling Downs Solar Farm is a world class renewables facility that demonstrates APA’s commitment to responsible energy,” said APA Group CEO and Managing Director Rob Wheals.

“It showcases what can be achieved when industry, government and communities come together with a common goal.

“We’re continuing to grow our capabilities in renewable energy infrastructure as part of our growth strategy. Darling Downs Solar Farm is part of our growing renewables infrastructure portfolio, which will, together with our gas infrastructure, contribute to Australia’s transition to a lower carbon economy.”

The Darling Downs Solar Farm site is located approximately 45 kilometres west of Dalby in southwestern Queensland and connects into the existing Darling Downs Braemar substation, connecting it into the National Electricity Grid. Commercial operations commenced in January 2019.