The Federal Government has approved a new solar farm that is set to generate enough energy to power up to 30,000 Tasmanian homes.
The 250MW Weasel Solar Farm Station, located in Bothwell, 76km north of Hobart, includes the construction of around 4000 solar panels and a 144MW/576MWh battery storage system.
It will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) within the Tasmania Midlands proposed renewable energy zone.
The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 44,000t of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum – equal to more than 450,000 trees being planted.
The Federal Government said projects like this not only boost renewables capacity and put downward pressure on prices, but they are also great for local jobs and economies. The new solar farm project is expected to support up to 300 direct jobs in construction and up to 20 ongoing jobs in maintenance, inspections and management.
The approvals process for this project took 20 days, and the Federal Government said the project site is cleared agricultural land and was designed so its environmental impacts were minimised.
The design of the farm will also allow it to continue to be used for agricultural purposes, with sheep able to graze underneath the solar panels.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt, said the project, which is backed by local landowners, is a great example of agriculture and renewable energy generation working together.
“This project is another example of how we can capitalise on our natural resources and make the shift to cheaper, clean, reliable, renewable energy,” Mr Watt said.
“Since 2022, we have given the green light to 89 renewable energy projects – enough to power more than 11 million Australian homes.
“We’re producing record renewable electricity, and we are on track to transform Australia into a renewable energy superpower.”
Member for Lyons, Rebecca White, said it’s exciting to see another renewable energy project gain approval to progress in Tasmania.
“Tasmania has a proud renewable energy story, and these projects have certainty to proceed, which is good for investment confidence and good for local jobs.”
