DP Energy Australia submits development application for 375MW combined wind and solar Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park project.
1st December 2015
DP Energy has lodged a Development Application for its proposed wind and solar power plant near Port Augusta in South Australia. The application, lodged under Section 49 of the Development Act seeks approval for the installation of up to 59 wind turbines and up to 400 hectares of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays for a combined generation capacity of up to 375 MW.
The Project would provide a much-needed boost to employment in the region after recent announcements by Alinta Energy and other major companies. Construction is scheduled to start in 2017 and last around two years during which it is expected to create around 600 full-time jobs and bring more than $44.5m of construction expenditure into the regional economy. When fully operational the Project is expected to create at least 20 full time jobs.
It is estimated that the average generation from the Project will be in excess of 770 million units of electricity, equivalent to the consumption of 154,000 South Australian households. It would also displace approximately 430,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Simon De Pietro, managing director, says the company was encouraged by the strong local support for the Project. “Overwhelmingly, the response to the Project has been positive, with many people recognising the benefits that will flow into the local community.”
“DP Energy is focussed on the delivery of high-quality, utility scale renewable energy developments, which will play a key part in the inevitable transition away from traditional forms of energy generation and towards cheaper, cleaner, more sustainable energy production.
“The Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, through its careful design represents a new and unique approach to renewable energy. By integrating different technologies, the Project is able to deliver energy when it is most needed, thereby reducing stress on the electricity network in times of peak demand and reducing the reliance on expensive peaking power.”
If the Development Application is approved DP Energy looks forward to working with the local community to find innovative ways in which to maximise the local benefits both through employment generation and by facilitating local supply chain opportunities.
ENDS
Media contact:
Gaby Powell, DP Energy Australia
T: +61 (0)7 40 952 877
www.dpenergy.com
