AGL Energy Limited’s (AGL) Nyngan and Broken Hill solar plants, Australia’s largest utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants located in western New South Wales (NSW), were officially opened during a ceremony at the Nyngan plant today.

AGL Managing Director & CEO Andy Vesey accompanied the Federal Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP at the ceremony along with project partner representatives: NSW Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy, the Hon Anthony Roberts; Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton MP; Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries MP; Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) acting CEO, Ian Kay; First Solar’s Asia-Pacific Regional Manager Jack Curtis; and Bogan Shire Council Mayor, Ray Donald.

“Developing two solar plants of the magnitude of Nyngan at 102 MW and Broken Hill at 53 MW is a major accomplishment and signals the birth of large-scale solar in Australia. We are proud to have achieved this on time and on budget.

“The two plants add to AGL’s credentials as Australia’s largest non-government owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation with over 1,900 MW of renewable capacity currently in operation,” said Mr Vesey.

Since becoming operational in July (Nyngan) and December (Broken Hill) 2015, both plants combined have generated over 200,000 MWh of renewable energy, which is enough to power around 34,000 average Australian homes. Annually, the two plants combined will produce approximately 360,000 MWh of renewable energy, powering more than 50,000 average Australian homes.

“Adding renewable or near-zero emission technology like our two solar plants is an integral part of our Greenhouse Gas Policy, which will help to reposition AGL as it moves towards a decarbonised electricity generation sector.

“It also demonstrates our support of the Federal Government’s commitment to Australia reducing emissions and limiting temperature increases to 2ºC as agreed at the United Nations COP21 in Paris last month.

Mr Vesey acknowledged that Australia must continue to build large scale renewables to reduce emissions and said that “achieving this will require a sustainable energy market and the resolution of two key barriers – energy market design and the closure of older, high-emitting power plants.”

Development of the two solar plants has provided significant economic support to the region. Nyngan and surrounding communities received an economic boost of around $14 million through direct and indirect costs. In Broken Hill, during the plant’s construction, around $15 million was injected into the local community. In the future it is expected the plants will lead to increased tourism for both communities.

“Recognising the potential of the solar plants to lead to increased tourism and economic benefits for the Nyngan and Broken Hill communities we will build an information and education facility at each site as a legacy to support tourism. We are in the early stages of planning these facilities and look forward to working with the local Councils and communities to progress these plans,” said Mr Vesey.

Mr Vesey also thanked the local communities for their contribution to the projects during construction and highlighted that it was just the beginning of a 30-year partnership between the regions and AGL during the estimated operating life spans of the two plants. There are now up to four local full-time employees operating and maintaining the Nyngan plant, which will see an anticipated $137 million flow into the regional economy through employment and direct maintenance service requirements such as plant and infrastructure upgrades. During a similar timeframe, around $85.5 million is expected to flow into the Broken Hill region with up to two local full-time employees currently operating and maintaining the Broken Hill solar plant.

Also at today’s event, Minister Hunt, on behalf of the Clean Energy Regulator, presented AGL’s Broken Hill and Nyngan solar plants with certificates of accreditation officially recognising them as accredited renewable energy power stations.

ARENA’s Acting CEO, Ian Kay congratulated AGL and First Solar on the significant milestone, noting it was the result of hard work and commitment over many years.

“In the future, this historic achievement will mark the moment big solar started to become a major contributor to Australia’s energy supply. The AGL plants, along with other ARENA-supported large-scale solar projects currently underway and the $100 million funding round, are part of ARENA’s efforts to make large-scale solar in Australia more competitive with other sources of energy generation. Ultimately, this momentum will allow us to capitalise on Australia’s world-leading solar resource and speed up the transition to renewable energy for our electricity needs.”

Jack Curtis, First Solar’s Regional Manager for Asia Pacific believes Australia is poised to take advantage of low-cost utility-scale solar, “In many parts of the world, solar energy is already cost-competitive with conventional generation. Considering the substantial and sustained cost reductions in the solar industry and the lessons learnt at projects like Nyngan and Broken Hill, it is inevitable that utility-scale solar projects in Australia will compete on an unsubsidised basis, in the near future.”

“First Solar has successfully established a low-cost local Australian supply chain for key equipment, driving down the cost of delivery of future Australian solar projects. As ageing coal power plants are decommissioned, there is an enormous potential for renewable energy – and utility-scale PV in particular – to fill the void and provide clean and affordable electricity,” said Mr Curtis.

• The 102 MW Nyngan and 53 MW Broken Hill Solar Plants are the largest operational solar plants in Australia Annually, the two plants combined will produce approximately 360,000 MWh of renewable energy, powering more than 50,000 average Australian homes.
• In the last decade AGL has built approximately $2 billion of renewable generation across hydro, wind, solar and biomass.
• AGL constructed the Nyngan Solar Plant and the 53 MW Broken Hill Solar Plant with $166.7 million funding support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and $64.9 million from the NSW Government. Both plants are were constructed in partnership with First Solar, Bogan Shire Council (Nyngan) and Broken Hill City Council, and local communities.

Artist's impression of Renewable Energy Education Centre. 

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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About the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
ARENA was established by the Australian Government to make renewable energy technologies more affordable and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. ARENA invests in renewable energy projects, supports research and development activities, boosts job creation and industry development, and increases knowledge about renewable energy. ARENA has a portfolio of more than 240 supported projects and is actively seeking new projects to fund in 2016.
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About NSW Government support for renewable energy
The NSW Government supports the development and uptake of the renewable energy in the state. The NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan will be the main driver for increasing the uptake of renewable energy in the state. The plan’s three goals and 24 actions will guide NSW’s renewable energy development and support the national target of achieving 20% electricity from renewable sources by 2020 at least cost to the energy customer and with maximum benefits to NSW.
The NSW Regional Clean Energy Program (RCEP) and the Renewable Energy Advocate will work closely with NSW communities and the renewable energy industry to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects, increase renewable energy generation in NSW and help remove barriers and promote investment in renewable energy.
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About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and system technology. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com