*BREAKING NEWS!* Solar Thermal for Port Augusta
Media release from Jay Weatherill, Premier of South Australia, Monday 14 August, 2017
Today, we are taking another massive step forward in delivering our plan for reliable, affordable and clean power for all South Australians.
My Government is backing a world-leading renewable energy project – a solar thermal plant in Port Augusta – delivered by SolarReserve.
This 150MW plant, the biggest of its kind in the world, will supply the Government with its electricity needs and provide more competition to the energy market – delivering lower prices to households.
Construction of the $650 million project will begin in 2018, and is estimated to be completed in 2020.
Importantly, this project will deliver more than 700 jobs, with requirements for local workers, supporting our State’s regions.
The Port Augusta story is a shining example of the transition of the South Australian economy.
We’ve seen the closure of a dirty coal-fired power station. We’re now seeing the commissioning of this world-leading renewable energy project.
This shows just how far renewable technologies have come. Renewables have always been cleaner. Renewables are now cheaper. And importantly, renewables are providing certainty and stability to the market.
This, in addition to our State-owned gas plant, and the world’s largest lithium ion battery, will help to make our energy grid more secure.
It’s another key part of our energy plan, delivering South Australian power for South Australians.
Join us in Port Augusta tomorrow to hear more about this exciting project at Central Oval between 12:00 – 1:00pm.
To find out more about Our Energy Plan, visit the website.
Jay Weatherill
Premier
