Ratch appoints EPC Contractor for Collinsville Solar Project

PRESS RELEASE

Ratch Australia Corporation announced today that it has awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for its $100 million Collinsville Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project in central Queensland to global diversified services company UGL, a member of CIMIC Group. In addition, UGL will provide operation and maintenance (O&M) services for five years upon completion of the 42.5 megawatt (MW) project.

Ratch Business Development Manager, Anthony Yeates, said the EPC tender process had been exhaustive but UGL had been selected based on their successful track record of solar farm project delivery in Australia.
 
“UGL is a proven performer in the renewable energy space and has been involved in nine solar farm projects. The company’s experience covers all the key disciplines and we’re confident that, together, we can deliver a world class solar farm that will serve as a global benchmark,” Mr Yeates said.
 
“With this last piece of the pre-construction puzzle falling into place we can now get on with construction of this project and if all goes to plan it will be generating electricity within roughly 12 months from now,” he said.
 
UGL’s appointment comes after financial close was reached earlier this month and Alinta Energy’s decision in March to purchase to purchase electricity and Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) generated by the farm through to the end of 2030.
 
UGL will take responsibility for the delivery of the project which will feature around 180,000 solar photovoltaic panels and is in close proximity to the old Collinsville coal-fired power station to take advantage of existing electrical infrastructure.  It is expected to produce enough energy to meet the needs of almost 15,000 homes.
 
Mr Yeates confirmed many opportunities would be provided for local workers and suppliers. He said the project would have a peak construction workforce of around 120 and employ two permanent staff once complete. Up to 20 staff will be needed to clean the solar panels as required.
 
All local companies wishing to supply to the project can register their interest via the Industry Capability Network (ICN) webpage
Get up to 3 quotes from pre-vetted solar (and battery) installers.