Chinchilla Solar Farm

Project Overview

The Chinchilla Solar Farm site is located 140 km north west of Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia near the township of Chinchilla. The site is approximately 16 km north east of Chinchilla, on the existing 132 kV Tarong Chinchilla overhead transmission line.

Approximately 250,000 First Solar thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules will power the proposed 100 megawatt (MW) project and will produce enough solar energy to serve the needs of approximately 40,000 average Queensland homes. This will displace more than 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year – the equivalent of taking about 45,000 cars off the road. 

The proposed Chinchilla Solar Farm will provide significant economic and environmental benefits, in addition to creating direct and indirect jobs and developing skills in a growing industry, and supporting small businesses. It also supports the Queensland Government in achieving 50 per cent of its energy from renewable resources by 2030, while further establishing regional Queensland as a leader in renewable energy. 

Project Timeline

• Application to Western Downs Regional Council for Development Approval – Complete
• EPBC Approval – Complete
• Submission of Network Connection Application – Complete
• Grid Connection Offer Expected – Q3/2019
• Construction Period Commences – Q4/2019
• Construction Complete – Q4/2020
• Commercial Operation – Q1/2021

Community

First Solar is committed to the communities in which it operates, including the Western Downs region. We will always engage neighbors, community groups, environmental groups and business organisations to ensure that Chinchilla Solar Farm remains a valued and respected member of community.

The Chinchilla Solar Farm will support the local and regional economy, creating direct and indirect jobs and developing skills in a growing industry, and supporting small businesses. It will generate approximately 150 construction jobs as well as ongoing full time positions. Wherever possible, First Solar seeks to partner with local businesses and suppliers.

Environment

First Solar projects strive to minimize environmental impact while maximizing clean energy output. When in operation, our systems generate electricity with no water use, no air emissions, and no waste production, with the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology available.

Construction planning for Chinchilla Solar Farm will include the implementation of appropriate dust control measures and will utilize truck routes chosen to minimize traffic congestion.

Project Benefits

• Assists the QLD government to achieve a 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030
• Provides enough clean energy to power 40,000 average homes
• Displaces 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road
• Lowest environmental impact of any PV technology
• No water used for electricity generation
• Significant economic and environmental benefits for regional Queensland
• Increased state and local tax revenues

Contact

Email: ChinchillaSolarFarm@firstsolar.com