AGL Energy Limited (AGL) has awarded more than $28,000 in funding to local community initiatives within the Bogan Shire Council area as part of the first round of the AGL Nyngan Solar Plant Construction Community Fund.

The Fund contributions include the supply and installation of a six kilowatt solar panel system at the Yarrabin Outreach Inc. Nyngan Preschool as well as funding to the St Joseph’s P&F Association for the upgrading of the school’s boundary fence. 

Other first round funding recipients were: Nyngan Hospital Auxiliary, Nyngan Junior Rugby League Club, Nyngan Amateur Swimming Club, and The Nyngan Men’s Shed Inc. 

AGL Nyngan Solar Plant Project Manager, Adam Mackett, said it is a priority for AGL to find ways to make a positive contribution in the local communities in which it operated. 

“We believe the Nyngan Solar Plant Construction Community Fund can help make an important difference to vital organisations and initiatives within the local community. 

“We received 12 applicants for the first round of funding and encourage those who weren't successful this time, as well as other local groups, to apply for the next round of funding,” said Mr Mackett. 

The second and final round of funding will be advertised early next year. In total the AGL Nyngan Solar Plant Construction Community Fund will contribute $50,000 to broad-based community initiatives within the local area. 

The Community Fund panel, which is made up of Nyngan Solar Plant Community Consultative Committee members, reviewed all applications and recommended successful applicants to AGL. 

“AGL would like to thank both the Community Fund panel and Bogan Shire Council for their assistance in the process,” said Mr Mackett. 

Construction at AGL’s Nyngan Solar Plant Project commenced in January this year and the first of the 1.35 million solar photovoltaic (PV) modules were installed last month. Construction is on schedule and the 102 MW plant is expected to be completed by June 2015.

AGL is delivering the Nyngan solar PV power plant in partnership with the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the NSW Government, local council and community, and project partner First Solar.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated renewable energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas,biomass and solar. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.