How do you make the viewing platform for the Broken Hill solar plant a design and educational landmark? That’s the challenge AGL Energy Limited (AGL) is setting for artists, designers, architects and engineers, all with a chance to win $10,000 for the best concept.

AGL Head of Government & Community Relations Tony Chappel said, the AGL Viewing Platform Art & Design Competition is open to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

“Whether you’re a budding art and design student, a professional architect, engineer or an artist, the project is open to everyone of all ages nationwide.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your talents and design flair, we hope to attract a lot of top quality entries. And the ultimate prize is that the winning design will be a major feature of the final viewing platform of the 53 MW solar plant,” Mr Chappel said.

AGL built the 140 hectare Broken Hill solar plant and now manages it on behalf of new owners - the Powering Australian Renewables Fund. The solar plant produces enough renewable energy to power 17,000 homes every year.

AGL launched the Viewing Platform Art & Design competition in conjunction with the Broken Hill Art Exchange (BHAE).

BHAE Director, Susan Thomas encouraged design students and professionals to start putting pen or paintbrush to paper as entries are open from Monday, 9 January 2017 until Friday, 3 March 2017.

“Opportunities like this don’t come around very often. Not only is the total prize pool money of $15,000 substantial, it’s a great chance for students and professionals to become recognised and get their name out there if they aren’t known already.

“And I’m happy to say as a part of this competition, all entries will have the unique chance of showcasing their work to the public by being a part of our Desert Equinox Solar Prelude exhibition and events calendar,” Ms Thomas said.

All entries will be judged on criteria such as their demonstration of excellence in design, celebration of environmental practices, solar energy and innovation, contribution to Broken Hill’s artistic and cultural heritage, and practicality and feasibility of construction in line with the AGL Viewing Platform Requirements Brief.

Four finalists will be notified from 7 March 2017 and will each receive a $1,000 assistance package to help develop a presentation of their design to a jury panel, which will be held at a public event on Friday, 24 March 2017.

The finalists and winner of the $10,000 prize will be chosen by a panel of judges appointed by AGL and BHAE. The $1,000 People’s Choice award is to be nominated by the public through a popular vote and the winner will be announced at an awards night ceremony on Saturday, 25 March 2017.

For submission guidelines and details on how to enter visit http://www.brokenhillartexchange.org.au/2017-AGL-Viewing-Platform-Competition.php or phone
phone + 61 8 80883171.

Background information

On 27 July 2016 AGL Energy Limited (AGL) announced QIC, on behalf of its clients the Future Fund and those invested in the QIC Global Infrastructure Fund, as its equity partner in the $2-3 billion Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF). PARF is a landmark partnership created by AGL to develop, own and manage approximately 1,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure assets and projects. These projects will help meet Federal Government targets and spur investment and development in support of Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

PARF has the potential to deliver 20 percent of the 2020 RET target:

• Abating over 1.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions
• Enough to power more than 300,000 homes
• Equivalent to removing approximately 374,000 cars off the road

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and is the largest ASX-listed owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation in the country. 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 solar, hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers.

About Future Fund

The Future Fund is Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, investing for the benefit of future generations of Australians. The Future Fund was established in 2006 to accumulate financial assets to offset the Australian Government’s unfunded superannuation liability from 2020. The role of the Future Fund is to generate high, risk adjusted returns over the long-term. It operates independently from Government. As at 31 March 2016, the value of the Future Fund was A$117.38bn. Read more at www.futurefund.gov.au.

About QIC

QIC is a global diversified alternative investment firm offering infrastructure, real estate, private equity, liquid strategies and multi-asset investments. It is one of the largest institutional investment managers in Australia, with AUD75.8 billion¹ in funds under management, offering infrastructure, real estate, private equity, liquid strategies and multi-asset investment services. QIC has over 500 employees and serves more than 90 clients including governments, pension plans, sovereign wealth funds and insurers, spanning Australia, Europe, Asia, Middle East and the US. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, QIC also has offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Sydney, and Melbourne. For more information, please visit: www.qic.com.

^1. As at 30 June 2016