It’s not all doom and gloom out there in the world of renewable energy project development and the trials and tribulations of commissioning on Australia’s main grid.
The Beryl solar farm, has reached full and unrestrained output after barely a month working through the commissioning phases after energisation of the plant was first achieved.
It’s unclear if that is a record, but it must be close, particularly given the recent delays which have hamstrung projects such as Adani’s Rugby Run solar farm in Queensland, and Windlab’s solar, wind and battery hub at the Kennedy energy hub.
And, of course, connection delays have been one of the main problems affecting EPC contractors RCR Tomlinson, which went bust, and others who have had to take a big hit on project costs or be pinged for damages because of the delays.
The Beryl solar farm, built by Downer Group on behalf of First Solar, and now owned by the listed company New Energy Solar, is an 87MW project located north of Mudgee, whose output is contracted to the NSW state government, specifically for its NW Metro project.
It began production in late April, and reached full output in less than one month, and 33 days from first energisation.
‘When good site selection, capability, planning, experience and cooperation of all stakeholders come together, connection to the grid can be readily and timely achieved, as has been the situation with this project,” said Steve Jackson, First Solar’s Asia Pacific regional manager.
“Development and delivery of the Beryl project has been a great team effort and I’m really proud of the work of all involved.”
