Safety Authority Shuts Solar Farms Over Fire Risk
In Victoria, five solar farms have been temporarily shut down due to concerns over bushfire risks related to overgrown grass. The regulatory body, Energy Safe Victoria, conducted inspections which led to the closure of the solar farms owned by subsidiaries of Sungrow Power Australia. The farms, including Goornong, Moolort, Ledcourt, Stawell, and Raywood, were ordered to cease operations following a two-week inspection blitz in February.
The decision to halt operations came after a fire broke out at the Raywood solar farm, located near Bendigo, during the inspection period. The fire, originating in a Sungrow inverter, spread to the long grass beneath the panels, prompting the regulatory authority to take action.
Regulatory Measures and Requirements
Energy Safe Victoria emphasized the importance of managing vegetation on solar farm sites to minimise the risk of fire spreading, especially during the fire danger period. Solar farm owners and operators are legally obligated to mitigate bushfire risks, failing which regulatory action will be taken to ensure the safety of individuals and property.
Inspections conducted by Energy Safe Victoria covered 18 solar farms in various locations, including Shepparton, Bendigo, Kerang, and Mildura. The focus was on identifying issues such as long grass, unmanaged fire breaks, and overgrown vegetation that could pose a risk in the event of a fire.
Compliance and Safety Standards
Permit regulations typically require grass to be maintained at a maximum height of 100mm, with a designated 10m fire break setback from the perimeter cleared of vegetation. Additionally, requirements include a 4m wide access road, multiple access points into the site, and a minimum distance of 6m between rows of solar panels to ensure safety standards are met.
While incidents of fires at solar farms are uncommon, a recent fire at the Mannum 2 solar farm in South Australia’s Riverland region resulted in injuries to a subcontractor during the commissioning phase. Similarly, reports emerged in January this year regarding an alleged fire at the Walla Walla solar farm in New South Wales’ Riverina region.
Owners of the Walla Walla solar farm, FRV, have been approached for comment on the matter.
