$200m solar farm, $135m battery approved

A development assessment panel has approved more than $300 million worth of renewable energy projects to be built in Western Australia.

The Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel (DAP) approved Alinta Energy’s proposal to build a solar farm on a 200-hectare lot along Great Northern Highway in Boodarie, Port Hedland, at its meeting today.

The project is estimated to cost $200 million.

Alinta Energy’s solar farm is proposed to have a maximum capacity of up to 90megawatt from more than 220,000 solar panels.

According to the Town of Port Hedland’s responsible authority report, the first stage of construction will include installation of 98,000 solar panels for a 40-megawatt facility.

“The proposal to construct and operate a solar farm with a capacity of up to 90MW, with the first stage involving the construction and operation of a 40MW facility will provide efficient, renewable energy generation and a clean energy economy,” the report said.

The town's planning and development manager Chaz Roberts said Port Hedland was dominated by the resources industry but there would be major changes to the town, particularly the focus on decarbonisation.

“This is the first cab off the rank with the solar farm at the entrance of the town,” he said.

A 35km solar cabling will be installed to connect the solar panels, according to the report.

Alinta Energy's application said the Port Hedland facility would look similar to its recently completed Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid project.

The DAP also approved a $135 million battery project in Muchea, in the Shire of Chittering.

France-based power producer Neoen has proposed to build a battery facility to have up to 200 megawatt of power capacity and up to 400 megawatt hours energy storage capability, on Byrne Road.

The proposed facility will be built on a 57-hectare lot, comprising of a 4,000 square metre power substation, battery cabinets with infrastructure covering about 1.8 hectare, and overhead electricity cables.

Neoen head of WA Nathan Ling said Australia represented NeoEn’s biggest portfolio.

“We’ve been in WA for 12 months and actively pursuing a portfolio of renewable projects,” he said.

“We’re currently Australia’s biggest battery operator … Neoen recently commissioned Victoria Big Battery, which is still one of the world’s largest battery.”

The DAP will also consider NeoEn’s proposal to build the $675 million Collie Battery, a 1,000-megawatt battery energy storage system on a 31.4-hectare piece of land in Palmer.

The Shire of Collie has supported the proposal at its recent meeting, recommending the DAP approve the application.