Published on Wednesday, 10 July 2019 at 4:14:35 PM
The delivery of 360,000 solar panels and trackers is expected this month, as construction kicks off at the Merredin Solar Farm.
The new 132MWdc solar farm in Merredin is being developed by Risen Energy (Australia) and is the largest solar farm committed to construction in Western Australia.
Once completed, the solar project is expected to generate enough green energy to power approximately 42,000 Western Australian homes.
The installation of a substation is progressing at the site, with the foundations poured, the control room installed and the gantry erected.
Risen Energy (Australia) is fencing the area around the site and is building the farm road network.
Renewable Development Manager for Risen Energy (Australia), Andrew Owen said there will be an increase in traffic with equipment deliveries from Fremantle.
“With the location of the Merredin solar farm to the west of Merredin, it is anticipated there will be no increase in heavy traffic in the town, as access to the site will be from Robertson Road.,” he said.
“There may be turning traffic at the intersection of Robartson Road and the highway.”
The Merredin Solar Farm is working closely with the Shire of Merredin to deliver the approvals for the Merredin Solar Farm project and will continue to liaise with the Council and government agencies to ensure these requirements are satisfied.
Risen Energy (Australia) is endeavouring to use as many local resources as possible, including local businesses such as Topline Earthmoving, Cast Civil, Merredin Freightlines, Holcim, Wheat Belt Uniforms, Signs and Safety, Landmark Agriculture, Two Dogs Hardware, Merredin Crane Hire, Ron Bateman & Co and Merredin Skip Bins.
As well as the employment of local people, 22 houses are currently being rented to accommodate solar farm personnel and the farm will require 3-5 full time workers to maintain the installation.
Full construction of the solar installation will continue through to mid-late 2019. Merredin Solar Farm will commission and commence power sales in Q4 2019.
For more information visit www.merredinsolar.com.au or call the shire on (08) 9041 1611.
Back to All News