A PROPOSED solar farm for Ravenswood South could power 40,000 homes with about 185,000 solar panels.
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International energy company FRV Services has lodged an application with the Mount Alexander Shire Council to develop a renewable energy facility including a solar farm and energy storage.
The proposed solar farm would produce about 210,000 megawatts of power per year, with a peak capacity of 63 megawatts of alternating current.
The site sits at Hokins Road and Reids Lane in Ravenswood South, covering 306 hectares. The land is used for grazing and is surrounded by farmland.
The location's high level of solar irradiation and good access to the electricity network made it well-suited for a solar farm, FRV Services said in a statement.
A battery energy system would allow the solar farm to provide clean, renewable energy to the grid, the company said.
The farm is expected to be operational by 2021 according to the company's website.
A government-owned road runs through the site. Communication between the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and FRV Services states written consent would be needed from the department to use the road for anything other than its licensed purpose, currently grazing.
Up to 150 temporary jobs would be created during construction if the project was approved, the company said.
Five permanent roles would be needed once the facility was operating, the company said.
Read more: Farm power could take on big solar
Subcontracting, purchasing opportunities and opportunities for local business would be among the other indirect benefits during the build, the company said.
The solar farm is expected to operate for about 40 years.
FRV Services has nine active projects in Australia, including four operational solar farms in Queensland, NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. Two farms are under development, in Goonumbla, NSW and Winton, Victoria.
The application will be on public display with Mount Alexander Shire Council until November 1.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
