PRESS RELEASE
To commemorate the start of construction of the 121 megawatt DC Yarranlea Solar Farm, Risen Energy conducted a Ground Breaking Ceremony with Mr Patrick (Pat) Weir MP, LNP, Member for Condamine, and Paul Antonio – Mayor Toowoomba Regional Council.
This ceremony reinforces the importance of the working relationship between the State, Council and Risen Energy in developing such a significant project within the region.
Initially construction will involve bulk earthworks to prepare the site for installation of the solar panels and substation equipment. Planting of screening vegetation will also be undertaken at this early stage.
As owners of the Yarranlea Solar Farm project, Risen Energy will progress the project from detailed engineering design, through construction, commissioning and ultimately the operation of the solar farm.
Full construction of the solar installation is expected to start mid-year and continue through to early 2019.
Yarranlea Solar will be working with Ergon to develop a switching station which will allow the solar farm to connect to the existing 110kV network.
Around 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the plant which will have approximately 400,000 solar panels installed at the site.
The Yarranlea Solar management team is currently finalising accommodation arrangements within the town of Pittsworth.
Yarranlea Solar Farm is located near Pittsworth, approximately 50km west of Toowoomba on the Darling Downs. The farm will be approximately 250ha in area and have a generation capacity of approximately 121 megawatt DC, being sufficient to power up to 32,000 homes.
The project will connect to the power grid using the existing Ergon Energy infrastructure, located adjacent to the development site. This will allow transmission of power into the Middle Ridge Bulk Supply Substation for ultimate use in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs area.
Yarranlea Solar Farm will use the latest Risen Energy PV panel technology and eventually integrate battery storage to allow it to supply power to the grid during periods of peak demand. The completed facility will have an operating life of 30 years, with the option for extensions.
At the end of the facilities useful operating life, all physical infrastructure will be decommissioned, and the land returned to its former agricultural use.
The project received development approval from the Toowoomba Regional Council in February 2017. Detailed studies and plans for the project can be accessed through the Yarranlea web site.  www.yarranleasolar.com.
