Construction has commenced on two renewable energy projects near Port Augusta, in South Australia, worth $670 million combined.
DP Energy and Spanish global energy company Iberdrola are investing $500 million in a hybrid wind and solar plant at Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, whilst Nexif has begun the $170 million Stage 2 expansion of its Lincoln Gap Wind Farm.
South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, said the major investments demonstrate how Port Augusta will become a critical component of South Australia’s renewable energy revolution delivering cheaper, cleaner electricity to households and businesses.
“During the construction phase of the DP Energy and Iberdrola project, there will be 200 full-time construction jobs and 20 full-time ongoing jobs once the project is complete,” Mr Marshall said.
“Nexif’s expansion will generate 110 jobs during the construction phase, and ten ongoing jobs once operational.
“We welcome the investment by Iberdrola into Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park as its debut into the Australian market.
“Nexif’s $170 million Stage 2 expansion, follows a $200 million investment in Stage 1 and a proposed $400 million investment in Stage 3.
“These projects provide a critical boost to South Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery, and are encouraged by the SA-NSW interconnector which provides them with new export opportunities.”
South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan, said that once completed, DP and Iberdrola’s project will showcase a new generation of renewables designed to provide predictable power more uniformly across the day.
“This international project highlights how the SA-NSW Interconnector is cementing South Australia’s role in a clean energy future, with the $500 million project comprising 110MW of solar generation and 210MW of wind generation,” Mr van Holst Pellekaan said.
“The project will see 50 wind turbines take advantage of the Port Augusta area’s usual high daytime wind resources, in addition to 245,000 solar panels.
“The project’s combined solar and wind generation output is expected to closely match South Australia’s electricity demand profile, which will help place downwards pressure on electricity prices while also assisting with the security and reliability of the grid.
“Nexif’s $170 million Stage 2 comprises 86MW of wind and 10MW/10MWh of battery storage.
“When Lincoln Gap is complete Nexif will have invested $770 million in 364MW of wind power at the site.
“These regional renewable energy projects are an example of how the State Government is delivering on its vision for South Australia to achieve 100 per cent net renewable energy by 2030.
“We are working hard to leverage our wind and solar resources to attract investment and support the growth of the jobs from the renewable energy sector.”
