ONE of the largest Riverina solar farms have had its 'golden row' of panels installed today to mark the start of its multi-million-dollar construction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $180 million site, owned by Spark Infrastructure, at Bomen will have 310,000 bi-facial panels set to power 36,000 homes annually.
During construction at the 250-hectare site, about 20 apprentices and up to 250 workers will be employed, with the majority being from Wagga.
Rick Francis, managing director and CEO Spark Infrastructure, said it is an exciting period as Wagga plays an important role in renewable energy.
"It's our first solar development and we chose the Bomen area as it's very important geographically for the national electricity market," Mr Francis said.
"It's at the centre of the grid as there are plans to expand the network to South Australia, and that [NSW-South Australia electricity] interconnector would connect right into the Wagga area.
"Of course there is also the development around Snowy [Hydro 2.0], so there'd be further connection and augmentation into that area."
Spark Infrastructure acquired the 120 megawatt capacity farm from Renew Estate in April. Construction by Beon is set to be completed in March 2020 and operation expected by quarter two.
Beon community and engagement manager Justin Coburn said the project will also have flow-on benefits to the local economy.
Generation off-takers Westpac and Flow Power, solar panel supplier Jink and Wagga City Council representatives were also present today.