Solar farm brings renewable energy and jobs to North Queensland

North Queensland’s electricity grid and its economy is another step closer to being powered by more renewable energy and more renewable jobs with a major solar project reaching a finance milestone.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey today congratulated solar farm proponent Genex on securing credit approval from its debt syndicate of up to $110 million to proceed with the construction of its Kidston solar farm, 270km northwest of Townsville.

“This is another renewable win for the North and for the regions,” Mr Bailey said.

“Upon completion, the Kidston Solar Farm will provide 50 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to Queensland’s North as well as an estimated 100 direct jobs during construction.

“The project is a successful recipient of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as well as additional financial support under the Palaszczuk Government’s Solar 150 program, which provides a 20 year revenue guarantee. I look forward to signing the Solar 150 contract with Genex in the near future.”

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government made an important renewable energy commitment to Queenslanders to achieve a 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030.

“The Palaszczuk Government continues to support a range of solar projects across the regions,” Ms O’Rourke said.

“This Kidston announcement is another step towards achieving this target. It joins solar farms which will also be built in Dalby, Oakey, Hughenden, Collinsville, Clare, Barcaldine, Sunshine Coast, Longreach, Lakeland and Normanton.

“All of these projects provide testimony to the investor belief in Queensland’s renewable energy credentials.”

Construction of the Kidston Solar Farm is set to begin during December, with the farm expected to be grid-connected and fully operational by early 2018.

Further information about Queensland’s support for large-scale solar is available at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/energy/renewable-energy/solar-150

Media contact:

Minister Bailey – 0428 079 640

Minister O’Rourke – 0408 317 992