Solar Farm Boost Planned for Regional Queensland

With an abundance of flat and open spaces, regional Queensland has caught the eye of local and international solar companies according to ABC News. 

Australian solar project developer ESCO Pacific has submitted development plans for three new solar farms – one near Townsville and two near Bundaberg. According to ESCO Pacific, once the 3 projects are completed, they will provide power for up to 130,000 homes. Managing director Steven Rademaker said the company received positive feedback from landholders in the area. He also added that they have seen lots of support for these types of developments. There’s a limited visual impact because it’s a low-lying development and it does the job efficiently and silently during sunlight hours and it’s a popular technology.

Neville Galloway, Agroforce south-east regional chairman and a Monto beef producer, said most farmers supported renewable energy projects as long as they don’t take up prime grazing and land cropping areas. The Wide Bay Burnett Environment Council said some grazers were even looking to cooperate and work alongside solar farm developers.

ESCO Pacific is planning to start construction early next year on an already-approved project on an unused mango plantation near Townsville.

Click here to read the full story on ABC News

Featured Image Credit: Michael Mees