Neoen Australia has officially announced the commissioning phase of its 350 MW Culcairn Solar Farm, one of the country’s largest solar initiatives. Located in the Riverina Murray region of southern New South Wales, the project marks a significant step in Australia’s renewable energy journey.
Image source: solarreviews.com
The solar farm, comprising nearly 760,000 panels and 100,000 piles across 1,000 hectares, is expected to be fully operational by 2026. Once complete, it will deliver an estimated 822,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power 160,000 homes. The project is also designed with the potential to integrate a battery energy storage system of up to 800 MWh.
“It is time to start supplying our first electrons from this asset into NSW’s electricity network,” Neoen Australia shared in a LinkedIn post. “We are excited to commence the commissioning of Neoen’s second-largest solar farm in Australia.”
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The plant connects to the National Electricity Market via an existing 330 kV transmission line. A four-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with SmartestEnergy supports the project, under which the independent energy retailer will acquire 50 per cent of the farm’s capacity to meet growing renewable energy demand from commercial and industrial clients.
Financial stability is further ensured by a Long-Term Energy Services Agreement under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, guaranteeing Neoen a fixed minimum price.
Culcairn Solar Farm ranks as Neoen’s second-largest solar project in Australia, following the 400 MW PV plant at the Western Downs Green Power Hub in Queensland. With over 4 GW of renewable energy capacity currently operational or under development, Neoen is recognised as a leading force in Australia’s clean energy sector.
Its portfolio includes the Coleambally, Griffith, Parkes and Dubbo solar farms in NSW, along with wind and battery storage projects across various states. Neoen’s ambition is to scale up to 10 GW of large-scale solar, wind and storage capacity in Australia, supported by a multi-billion-dollar investment strategy.
The Culcairn project adds another milestone to Neoen’s global renewable portfolio and supports Australia's transition towards a greener energy future.
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