MEMBER for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams says the NSW government has a strong commitment to the renewable energy industry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This follows the local member's involvement in the installation of the first solar modules at the nation's largest utility-scale solar plant.
"NSW continues to lead the nation in the development of renewable energy generation, with today's installation of the first solar photovoltaic (PV) modules at the nation's largest utility-scale solar plant marking a new era in renewable energy production in Australia," she said.
"The NSW Government has contributed $64.9 million towards the development of the 102 MW Nyngan Solar Power Plant and its sister site at Broken Hill by AGL Energy Ltd.
"The project will play a vital role in contributing to the state's energy needs.
"The NSW government's support for this project has been vital and a very important role in the widespread development of utility scale solar across NSW and across Australia.
"NSW has vast solar resources and has long been a standout leader in photovoltaic research; we are now taking the next step and becoming a standout leader in the renewable energy development."
Mrs Williams attended the construction of the $290 million Nyngan Solar Plant as part of her role as the parliamentary secretary for renewable energy.
Minister for natural resources, lands and water and minister for western NSW Kevin Humphries said construction of the plant will employ up to 300 people during the peak of construction, with the majority coming from the surrounding region.
"The contribution of this project to Nyngan and western NSW cannot be overstated," Mr Humphries said.
"This development will create jobs, provide thousands of households with affordable, renewable power and inject around $137 million into to the local economy.
"Building a strong renewable energy industry is vital to improving our environment, supporting employment and helping to grow the NSW economy," Mr Humphries said.
"The installation today of the first of the approximately 1.35 million advanced thin-film solar PV modules that will make up the Nyngan Solar Plant is a momentous occasion that truly confirms NSW's claim to be leading the nation in the development of renewable energy.
"Once up and running, the Nyngan Solar Plant will produce enough renewable electricity annually to supply more than 33,000 homes."
