Police investigate death of worker at one of Australia’s biggest solar projects

A 41-year old man has died at the site of Lightsource bp’s Wellington North solar project, which is under construction in western New South Wales, following what is being described as a workplace accident.

NSW Police say emergency services were called to the solar farm in Wuuluman on Wednesday morning, following reports a worker had collapsed and died following a “workplace accident”.

“NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 41-year-old man at the scene, however he could not be revived,” a statement says.

“Officers from Orana Mid Western Police District attended and established a crime scene which will be examined by specialist police.

“A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”

Construction of the 425MW Wellington North solar farm, in the NSW Orana region, is contracted to GRS, the solar engineering, procurement and construction business owned by Spanish giant Gransolar. The worker is believed to be an employee of GRS.

A spokesperson for Gransolar Construction Australia said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased worker… We are undertaking an investigation and cooperating fully with all authorities.

“Everyone who works on our projects is part of the Gransolar team and this tragic loss is felt by the whole company.”

In a separate statement on Thursday, a Lightsource bp spokesperson said the company was unable to provide any more details about the man’s death, with a police investigation underway.

“Lightsource bp is deeply saddened to confirm that a worker has passed away following a medical emergency at its Wellington North site on Wednesday 12 July 2023,” the emailed statement says.

“Our team is working closely with emergency services and is supporting all external investigations conducted by authorities and the principal contractor on site. We cannot confirm any further details at this stage.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the worker during this very difficult time.”

The Wellington North solar farm is under construction around 7km north-east of Wellington, off Goolma Road in the Orana region of NSW. The 425MW project is adjacent to Lightsource bp’s existing 200MW Wellington solar farm.

Once Wellington North is operational, both sites will create a solar hub with a combined installed capacity of 625MW.