AGL Energy Limited (AGL) is encouraging the local community to apply for the second round of funding for the Broken Hill Solar Plant Construction Community Fund.

The $25,000 community fund supports broad-based community initiatives including health, social welfare, safety, environment, education, youth, sport, recreation, special needs, aged care groups, culture, arts and economic development.

AGL Broken Hill Solar Plant Project Manager, Adam Mackett, said groups have from Monday, 14 September until Friday, 9 October 2015 to apply.

“We see the fund as not only delivering community-wide benefits but it also enables us to strengthen AGL’s existing links with the local community and gives us the opportunity to meet local people.

“Supporting the work of existing and future local organisations within the communities we operate is a priority for us. We hope the fund encourages local innovation and promotes initiatives of community significance while at the same time enhances local awareness of the benefits of sustainable, renewable energy,” Mr Mackett said.

The applications will be assessed by an independent community fund panel. AGL will announce successful fund applicants in November 2015.

Local residents can find out more about the Construction Community Fund at tomorrow night’s Community Information Session meeting which will be held from 6pm at The Centre For Community, 200 Beryl Street, Broken Hill.

The community can also find out more about the status of construction at the 53 MW Broken Hill Solar Plant.

“The Broken Solar Plant is nearing completion and we remain on track and on budget. We are going through the initial commissioning stage in preparation for generation,” explained Mr Mackett.

AGL will deliver the 53 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Broken Hill in partnership with the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the NSW Government, the Broken Hill City Council, the local community and project partners First Solar.

About AGL
AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. 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, solar, landfill gas and biomass.

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