Neoen’s Second-Largest Solar Farm Powers Up in Australia

Neoen, a French renewable energy producer, has initiated the commissioning process for its second largest solar farm in Australia. The Culcairn solar facility, located in the Riverina Region of New South Wales, boasts a capacity of 350MW (440MWp).

Last week, Neoen Australia announced the commencement of supplying electricity from the Culcairn solar farm to the state’s power grid. Construction on the project began 18 months ago, and it is now entering the operational phase.

Key Features of the Culcairn Solar Farm

The Culcairn solar farm comprises nearly 760,000 solar panels situated approximately 45km north of Albury and 70km south of Wagga Wagga in the South East Riverina Region of New South Wales. This renewable energy project is anticipated to produce around 800,000MWh of clean electricity annually, leading to a reduction of approximately 267,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year. The generated power is expected to cater to the energy needs of up to 155,000 households.

Expansion Plans and Battery Integration

Initially approved in March 2021, the Culcairn solar farm was granted permission for a 100MW/200MWh battery system. However, Neoen successfully obtained a modification to enlarge the battery capacity to 800MWh. The company is currently revising the project’s management strategy to accommodate the larger battery and is in the process of selecting a supplier for the expanded battery system.

Upon completion, the battery will be spread across a 4-hectare area at the heart of the project site, positioned adjacent to the Transgrid switching station.

Agreements and Partnerships

Neoen entered into an underwriting agreement with the New South Wales government, known as a Long-Term Energy Services Agreement (LTESA), ensuring a price floor for the next two decades. Additionally, a purchase agreement (PPA) was signed with SmartestEnergy Australia, securing 50% of the solar farm’s output for a four-year period starting in 2026.

Technological Advancements

Recent developments at the Culcairn solar farm include the use of an AI-controlled robot by a Chinese tech company for solar module mounting. This innovation has significantly reduced project delivery time by 25% and has the capability to perform tasks equivalent to three to four human workers.

Joshua S. Hill, a seasoned journalist based in Melbourne, has been actively reporting on climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. His contributions to Renew Economy and The Driven have been instrumental in raising awareness about sustainable energy solutions.