Solar deal takes Badgingarra project to 148MW

Sydney-based utility APA Group will expand its 130-megawatt wind farm project at Badgingarra to include a 17.5MW solar farm, after extending a power purchasing agreement with Alinta Energy.

It comes after state-owned generator Synergy recently finalised a deal with CBus Superannuation and Dutch Infrastructure Fund to build 210MW of renewable energy projects in a joint venture program.

Those include Warradarge wind farm, with the aim being that Synergy can meet its renewable energy target obligations without carrying debt on its balance sheet.

The other project is a 30MW expansion of the Greenough River solar farm, which will quadruple its size.

APA’s Badgingarra is located near Jurien Bay and the assets are to connect to the South West Interconnected System, which provides power as far south as Albany.

The concept is similar to the Emu Downs renewable operation, where APA added 20MW that was completed in March, adding to a 60MW wind farm.

Earlier this month, APA reported that the wind farm was 63 per cent finished, with completion due in 2019.

That timeline remains in place, while the solar component will also be completed next year.

As part of the latest deal, Alinta has extended a 12-year power purchase arrangement, basically a take off contract, with APA for a further five years.

It will now continue until 2035.

Alinta will purchase all generation certificates, which will help that business meet its own renewable energy target requirements.

The solar farm will need approval from Western Power to connect to its network.

APA Group managing director Mick McCormack said the wind and solar projects would have complementary generation profiles.

“Like our adjoining Emu Downs wind and solar projects, the wind pattern in this region allows for the solar generation to utilise the existing substation and connection infrastructure,” he said.

“On completion, APA will have a renewable energy precinct capable of generating over 247.5MW of energy for the South West Interconnected System, Western Australia’s primary electricity grid.”

Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said the output was part of the company’s 1000MW renewable target for 2020.