New solar farm makes Qld university a world leader

A new $125 million solar farm at Warwick has claimed Queensland another global renewable energy title.

Speaking at the opening of University of Queensland’s Warwick Solar Farm, State Development Minister Kate Jones said the 64 megawatt project meant UQ was the first university in the world to have all of its power come from its own renewable energy asset.

“Queensland is already a world leader in the take-up of household solar rooftops and this is another global energy title,” Ms Jones said.

“The global coronavirus pandemic is impacting economies around the world and Queensland is no different.

“Because Queenslanders have done such a great job fighting coronavirus, we can now focus on delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.

“Backing our renewable energy sector is an important part of that plan – this is about driving down emissions, putting downward pressure on power prices and creating jobs.”

Up to 100 jobs were supported during the 15 months for construction of the solar farm, with six ongoing operation and maintenance jobs supported for the life of the project and a facility manager based at the site full time.

The Warwick Solar Farm will support the research and development of innovative new energy solutions such as emerging battery energy storage and hydrogen conversion technologies.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the solar farm was the latest addition to Queensland’s existing suite of renewable energy generation projects.

“Our renewable energy revolution is rolling out, providing jobs and lower power prices for Queenslanders,” Dr Lynham said.

“Over the past five years under Labor, 39 large-scale renewable energy projects have commenced operations or are financially committed, creating 5700 jobs in construction.

 “Queensland now has 6600 MW of large-scale renewable generation either operational or committed.

”We are  forecast to reach 20 per cent renewable generation this year and on target to reach our commitment to 50 per cent by 2030.

 “Our publicly-owned clean energy generator CleanCo will continue this growth with its remit to bring on an extra 1000 megawatts of clean energy by 2025.”

[ENDS]                     

Media contact:  

Minister Jones:         Jack Harbour – 0419 620 447

Dr Lynham:            Michael Saunders – 0428 411 617