First Solar commences construction of 102MW Australian project

US-based First Solar has commenced the construction of 102MW solar project in Nyngan, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

The firm is also offering engineering and procurement services for the project and will provide maintenance services for a period of five years post commissioning, in addition to construction.

The project, which will include installation of around 1,350,000 advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, is expected to power about 33,000 average NSW homes.

The Nyngan plant, which will be completed in mid-2015, will create an estimated 300 direct construction jobs during the building of the project.

The Nyngan solar project is expected to add nearly 2% to the gross regional product of the community, in total.

First Solar Asia Pacific business development director Jack Curtis said that breaking ground at the Nyngan solar project is a significant milestone for the advancement of Australia’s utility-scale solar industry.

"Each project that First Solar constructs builds acceptance of and confidence in utility-scale solar as an effective source of power generation in Australia," Curtis added.

"As the Nyngan project develops, we look forward to seeing its impact, not only in generating important local job opportunities, but also in strengthening the solar industry’s position within Australia’s energy mix."

First Solar said that the Nyngan solar plant is the first of two utility-scale solar projects, which received funding by the Commonwealth government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the NSW government.

In mid 2014, First Solar plans to begin the construction of the second project in Broken Hill, NSW.