AGL receives approval to build 53-MW solar farm in Australia

Nov 5, 2014 - The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has authorised AGL Energy Ltd (ASX:AGK) to proceed with the construction of its 53-MW Broken Hill solar park in the southeastern Australian state.

The power producer announced the approval of its construction environmental management plans in a statement on Tuesday. Project manager Adam Mackett commented that this clearance allows the company to proceed with the actual construction of the facility as it had so far only carried out enabling works.

The solar farm is designed to use more than 650,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels. Its completion is expected to occur by the end of next year. AGL pointed out it had developed the project in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the NSW government, the Broken Hill City Council, the local community and US partner First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR).

The company has already formed a fund that gives community groups the chance to apply for financing to support various local projects. The community fund’s first round, worth some AUD 25,000 (USD 21,500/EUR 17,300), will be advertised later in 2014.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.861/EUR 0.690)

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