Major solar thermal plant in South Australia wins approval

A $650 million solar thermal plant has secured development approval from the state government of South Australia.

The 150 megawatt project, called Aurora, is being developed by US company SolarReserve, and will be built 30 kilometres inland from Port Augusta.

It is understood that the company still needs to secure funding for the project, which it is hoped will now be forthcoming.

Energy Minister Chris Picton said: “It’s fantastic that SolarReserve has received development approval to move forward with this world-leading project that will deliver clean, dispatchable renewable energy to supply our electrified rail, hospitals, schools and other major government buildings”

Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of SolarReserve responded with cautious optimism: "It is a significant step in the development of the Aurora solar thermal power station, which will bring clean power generation technology to South Australia,"

“The remarkable story of the transition of Port Augusta from coal to renewable energy…is also a preview of the future of power generation around the world…Aurora is an example of how sustainable solutions are able to foster new industries and create new jobs for South Australia.

Natalie Collard, executive general manager at Clean Energy Council, a trade body, told The Sydney Herald: "South Australia is providing the rest of the country a glimpse of a renewable energy future. Our electricity system is rapidly moving towards one which will be smarter and cleaner, with a range of technologies providing high-tech, reliable, lower-cost power".

The company states that the plant can deliver 5 percent of the state’s yearly energy needs, and be able to power the equivalent of more than 90,000 homes at any one time. The plant can also provide 8 hours of storage, an important issue in a state which has seen multiple blackouts in recent years.

In addition, 600 jobs will be created during the construction period, which could be completed in 2020. 

Image Credit: Koza1983/CC