Energy Queensland signs 12-year agreement with Lilyvale Solar Farm

Energy Queensland, an Australian electricity distribution company, has entered into a 12-year agreement with Lilyvale Solar Farm in Central Queensland through Ergon Energy Retail, to further strengthen its position in Queensland’s credentials as a renewable energy hub.

Energy Queensland was formed after merging Ergon Energy and Energex, to create a single energy company.

Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey said: “This project will create around 200 jobs during construction, which will begin later this year and will power approximately 45,000 homes.

“Agreement with the Lilyvale Solar Farm is consistent with the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment of meeting our 50 per cent by 2030 Renewable Energy Target.

“The Palaszczuk Government is providing leadership in the area of renewable energy policy because the Turnbull Government continues to stick their head in the sand.

“We are taking a planned and measured approach to increasing the level of renewable energy in our energy mix which is leading to investment and jobs, particularly in regional Queensland – while maintaining affordability for consumers.

“The Palaszczuk Government is turning the Sunshine State into the Solar State, and this is proof of our progress,”

Bailey further explained that the government has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Lilyvale Solar Farm for an additional 100MW of renewable energy for regional Queenslanders.

The Lilyvale Solar Farm is being established by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures Services Australia (FRV Australia) nearly 50 km North-East of Emerald.

FRV managing director Cameron Garnsworthy said: “This agreement will deliver a significant new source of clean energy to business and residential customers.”

Ergon Energy Retail is reported to have signed an additional PPA for the, 170MW Mount Emerald Wind Farm, as well as sugar mills and a range of other renewable energy generators.