Zenith to add solar to Nova power station

Zenith Energy will incorporate a solar facility in its existing diesel power station at Independence Group’s Nova operation in the Fraser Range, taking capacity to 26 megawatts.

The two companies have agreed to an amendment to the purchase power agreement, with Zenith to build own and operate a hybrid diesel-solar power station.

Construction of the solar facility, which has a forecast annual yield of 12.5 gigawatt hours, is expected to begin next year.

Zenith said the solar facility would complement the existing diesel power station, with supply forecast to start in the first quarter of the 2020 financial year.

“We are delighted to sign this PPA amendment with IGO, which again demonstrates Zenith Energy’s ability to provide dynamic, innovative solutions for our clients in a safe, reliable, highly efficient and cost-effective manner,” Zenith managing director Hamish Moffat said.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the team at IGO to deliver effective power supply solutions to their Nova operation.”

Independence Group managing director Peter Bradford said the hybrid power station would improve the company’s cost structure.

“At IGO we believe in the green energy future and are committed to renewable energy sources as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.

“The development of this innovative hybrid energy solution will also improve our cost structure with targeted renewable power insertion of up to 50 per cent of demand via the solar PV facility.”

In June 2016, Sandfire Resources completed a $40 million solar power project that integrated 34,080 solar PV panels with a diesel-fired power station.

Shares in Zenith finished up 0.66 per cent at 76 cents each today, while IGO shares were off 1.4 per cent at $4.23 each.