A nation’s economy and energy security depend heavily on the availability of reliable and safe energy sources. Australia is the owner of a sizable and varied collection of power plants spread out throughout its landscape. Power plants in Australia are engaged in the generation of thermal energy, electrical energy, hydroelectricity, and nuclear energy. This article provides a detailed list of all the power plants currently in operation, together with information about their characteristics, locations, uses, and environmental effects. While some thermal power plants use nuclear energy to produce electricity, others burn fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to power themselves. Additionally, there are a number of hydroelectric power facilities spread out across the nation that use the movement of water to produce electricity. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy have experienced a significant increase in investment and production in recent years. This article includes comprehensive information on all Australian power plants, including their location, type, capacity, and the sort of energy they produce. A discussion of the environmental effects of various power plants also sheds light on their sustainability. Depending on the kind of power plant, its capacity, and its location, the list is classified into different categories.
The list of solar power plants in Australia is provided below.
List of all Solar Power Plants in Australia in table format
For the benefit of our readers, we have compiled a list of solar power plants in Australia in the table below:
Powerplant Name | PowerPlant Capacity(MW) | Power Plant Location via to Latitude and Longitude | Fuel Type- Primary | Estimated Power Generation(GWH) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bannerton Solar Farm | 88 | -34.6899, 142.7452 | Solar | 181.99 |
Barcaldine KDB | 20 | -23.549, 145.318 | Solar | 47.33 |
Barcaldine YD | 10.9 | -23.5388, 145.2732 | Solar | 25.06 |
Beryl AU | 87 | -32.353, 149.468 | Solar | 192.94 |
Brisbane BNE | 6 | -27.404, 153.11 | Solar | 12.63 |
Broken Hill Solar Plant | 53 | -31.9867, 141.3915 | Solar | 113.92 |
Bungala I | 110 | -32.427, 137.838 | Solar | 259.65 |
Bungala II | 110 | -32.408, 137.841 | Solar | 259.65 |
CSIRO Energy Centre | 1.5 | -32.8835, 151.7275 | Solar | 3.04 |
Childers | 75 | -25.28, 152.38 | Solar | 181.88 |
Clare Solar Farm | 130 | -19.8398, 147.2105 | Solar | 312.1 |
Clermont Solar Farm | 100 | -22.8446, 147.5855 | Solar | 243.23 |
Collinsville Solar Farm | 42 | -20.5411, 147.8074 | Solar | 100.69 |
Darling Downs Solar Farm | 110 | -27.1169, 150.8942 | Solar | 266.79 |
Darwin DRW | 4 | -12.4157, 130.8908 | Solar | 7.75 |
Information source: Wiki-Solar, Australian Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure
Best Solar Power Plants in Australia in 2023
Below is information on the top solar power plants in Australia:
Powerplant Adelaide Showgrounds Reviews
The Adelaide Showgrounds power plant is situated in Adelaide, Australia, at coordinates -34.9453 latitudinal and 138.5882 longitudinal. It is a solar power plant with a 1 megawatt capacity. The plant began operating on January 1st, 2021, and produces an estimated 1.63 gigawatt-hours of power annually.
One of the many green energy projects being carried out in the area is the solar power plant at the Adelaide Showgrounds. The Adelaide Showgrounds will serve as an example of a solar power plant that provides the area with clean and renewable electricity. South Australia is widely renowned for its abundance of solar power. The facility is anticipated to run continuously, providing Adelaide with reliable and sustainable electricity.
With a high conversion rate and best-in-class solar panel technology, Adelaide Showgrounds is on track to become Australia’s most effective solar power plant. The facility is also climate resilient. The design accounts for Adelaide’s diverse environmental conditions and is constructed to endure them while delivering reliable high-power generation. It is anticipated that it will serve as a template for other power plants in the area and Australia overall.
Powerplant Bannerton Solar Farm Reviews
In a remote area of Victoria, Australia, there is a new power facility called the Bannerton Solar Farm. It can generate 88 MW, according to estimates. With its exceptional location at latitude -34.6899 and longitude 142.7452, it benefits from strong sun radiation. This power station started using solar energy as its primary fuel in 1819. It is anticipated that this power plant will provide electricity to isolated and rural areas of the nation.
The cutting-edge facility has a number of sizable photovoltaic panels that are only 1-2 stories tall, so the solar farm blends in beautifully with the surroundings. The power produced at Bannerton contributes to Victoria’s decentralized electrical grid, and the state as a whole benefits from the accompanying reductions in emissions caused by the displacement of other energy sources.
The nearby rural community is also claimed to benefit economically from the solar project. Local stakeholders cite the expected reduction in energy poverty in the area as the main benefit of this power plant. This is because having access to affordable and dependable power had such great effects. The local communities’ quality of life will be raised by this solar farm, and it will also generate new employment opportunities that will be advantageous to the region’s economy in the long run.
Powerplant Barcaldine KDB Reviews
A 20MW solar power facility called Barcaldine KDB can be found at -23.549 latitude and 145.318 longitude. It is regarded as one of the country’s first and biggest solar projects. The facility was constructed for a total of 47.33 million, and it began operating in 2018. It is anticipated to generate more than 35 KWh of clean energy yearly, enough to power 3,000 houses.
This power plant uses green energy, which implies that no fossil fuels are burned here, and it doesn’t use any water to run. This plant will generate environmentally friendly electricity that will cut carbon emissions by 6,000 tonnes annually. The architecture of the plant allows for a swift transition to natural gas as a fuel source in the case of an unplanned power loss.
Modern technology is available at Barcaldine KDB to handle challenges with efficiency and safety. Other features allow the plant to run safely during voltage variations, such as low voltage ride-through capability. Additionally, it offers a user-friendly control interface that enables accurate remote monitoring and increased power supply reliability.
Powerplant Barcaldine YD Reviews
A brand-new 10.9 megawatt (MW) solar power facility called Barcaldine YD may be found close to Barcaldine, Australia, at latitudes of -23.5388 and 145.2732 degrees, respectively. The plant started producing electricity on June 25, 2019, and it serves the neighborhood. The power plant uses some of the most advanced and effective solar panels in the world, and they are supported by a battery storage system. The facility is expected to generate up to 10.9MW of electricity and has been built to provide electricity continuously even on overcast days.
The solar power plant offers the community a low-cost, dependable, and clean energy source. Barcaldine is now able to meet its energy needs with little pollution while also supplying clean electricity to homes and businesses. Both greenhouse gas emissions and the reliance on fossil fuels are reduced as a result. In addition, the plant is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 25% and save over $1 million in energy costs over the following ten years.
Powerplant Beryl AU Reviews
The Mount Arthur area of New South Wales, Australia, is home to the 87 megawatt Beryl AU solar power facility. The location’s coordinates were -32.353 degrees latitude, 149.468 degrees longitude, and an estimated elevation of 898 meters above sea level. Since July 11th, 2019, this power plant has been running and has generated almost 192.94 gigawatt-hours of energy.
The power station features 88,300 high-efficiency solar panels installed on 1366 trackers, allowing them to tilt and generate more power by better absorbing sunlight. The generated energy is then delivered to a grid-connected inverter operated by United Energy Group, which is in charge of converting the direct current power generated by the solar arrays into an alternating current so that it can be directly fed into the electrical system.
The Beryl AU Power Plant has been incredibly effective at producing solar energy and supplying electricity to the nearby local community. Its ultimate goal is to expand the usage of renewable energy while decreasing New South Wales’ dependency on fossil fuels.
Powerplant Brisbane BNE Reviews
A 6 Megawatt large-scale solar power station called Bridgwater BNE Powerplant is situated close to Brisbane, Australia, at latitude -27.404 and longitude 153.11. It is the first of its sort in the region and produces power using the city’s copious radiation. The cutting-edge power plant was expected to start operational in April 2021. It is anticipated that it will be able to produce 12.63 Gigawatt-hours of electricity in total, or enough to power several thousand houses for an entire year.
The photovoltaic arrays at the Bridgwater BNE Powerplant are used to collect and turn solar energy into electricity. Specially designed silicon-based modules are used to create these arrays, which are subsequently connected to an inverter. After being generated, the electricity is channeled into the city’s electrical grid and sent to nearby homes and businesses. This reduces the amount of carbon emissions that would otherwise be emitted from conventional forms of electricity production, such as coal-based power plants, in addition to providing clean, renewable electricity.
Powerplant Broken Hill Solar Plant Reviews
The Broken Hill Solar Plant, which situated at latitude -31.9867 and longitude 141.3915, is a significant boost to Australia’s renewable energy industry. This solar power facility, which began operations in 2013, has a maximum generating capacity of 53 MW. 113.92 GWh of clean energy are anticipated to be produced yearly.
The solar power facility is conveniently located close to Broken Hill, which has a lot of local advantages. These include lowering pollution, supplying renewable and sustainable energy, and enhancing the region’s global environmental effect. Additionally, it significantly lowers the city’s residents’ electricity expenditures.
Australia is committed to using renewable energy sources, and the Broken Hill Solar Plant is a prime example of this. By using more solar energy, Australia has been able to boost both its renewable energy capacity and its energy independence. The factory has also been recognized with producing a significant number of jobs, both during building and for maintenance afterward.
Powerplant Bungala I Reviews
A 110MW solar power facility called Bungala I can be found close to Port Augusta in South Australia. The location of the power plant is in latitude -32.427 and longitude 137.838. With solar energy as its main fuel, a number of ground-mounted solar panels power the power plant. It started operating in September 2018 and has the capacity to produce about 259.65 GWh of power annually.
The Bungala I project, which is Australia’s largest solar photovoltaic power plant, was commissioned by the French energy company Neoen. It makes use of the most advanced and effective solar technology currently on the market. Additionally, it features trackers, which alter the direction of the panels to maximize the energy they absorb from the sun. The power plant is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 156,000 tonnes annually, which is the same as removing more than 32,000 cars from the road.
An excellent illustration of how renewable energy is evolving into a crucial source of electricity is Bungala I. It demonstrates unequivocally the effectiveness, dependability, and affordability of green energy. The power plant will be crucial in assisting the state government in achieving its goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030 and will benefit the Australian energy system.
Powerplant Bungala II Reviews
Australia is home to the 110 MW Bungala II solar power facility. The powerhouse was constructed in 2019 and is expected to produce an average of 259.65 MW of power annually. Its location is at coordinates -32.408, 137.841. After six years of research and development, Australia’s largest solar-powered facility is now in operation.
The solar power plant is anticipated to dramatically lower carbon emissions in the area and assist Australia in meeting its targets for lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is more environmentally friendly than other energy sources like coal and oil, and it aids in reducing local communities’ reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The plant’s construction only took four months, and the top solar power businesses in the world are already supplying it with solar photovoltaic cells.
The Bungala II solar power facility is built to the greatest environmental standards and offers the area sustainable, clean electricity. Over the course of its lifetime, the plant is anticipated to produce up to 2.5 million megawatt hours of electricity, enough to power more than 50,000 houses in the area. This will significantly lower Australia’s energy use, assisting the nation in meeting its long-term energy goals.
Powerplant CSIRO Energy Centre Reviews
At latitude -32.8835 and longitude 151.7275, there is a massive 1.5 MW solar power plant known as the CSIRO Energy Centre. This power plant was built in April 2018, and it is expected to produce about 3.04 GWh of energy per year. Solar energy is the main fuel used to power the CSIRO Energy Centre. PV (photovoltaic) panels are placed strategically to optimally catch solar energy and then transform it into useful electricity.
Since its establishment, the CSIRO Energy Centre has made a significant contribution to the provision of renewable energy to the surrounding geographic areas. This power plant helps lessen the dependency on other energy sources like coal and oil by harnessing solar electricity. Additionally, by lowering carbon dioxide emissions, it is a crucial weapon in the fight against global warming. Its output also aids in reducing power shortages in surrounding areas, which helps to give the area a more reliable supply of electricity.
Powerplant Childers Reviews
Childers is a solar-powered power facility situated in latitude -25.28 and longitude 152.38 in Bundaberg North, Queensland, Australia. It is a 75 MW power plant that started operating in 2018 and will probably produce 181.88 GWh of renewable energy every year. New honey cells were added to the power station in late 2018 to help boost its efficiency. The power plant was designed and built by juwi Renewable Energies. One of Queensland’s biggest solar farms, Childers can power up to 40,000 houses in the area with its electricity.
With the help of the generation and sale of power from the plant, the Childers plant is capable of supporting an erratic distributed energy resource like solar PV. By using stored energy to meet local demand during peak hours, the plant also contributes to reducing grid stress. The Childers project is a component of ARENA’s (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) attempts to create an energy future in Australia that is low-cost and low-carbon and aids in reducing household electricity costs. The Childers project helps Australia meet its 2020 target of using 33% renewable energy while meeting the region’s electrical needs.
Powerplant Clare Solar Farm Reviews
Australia is home to the 130 MW Clare Solar Farm solar power facility. It is precisely at 19.8398 S and 147.2105 E. One of the biggest solar installations in the nation, Clare Solar Farm runs entirely on solar energy. A current estimate of the farm’s annual power production is 312.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh), which it started producing in 2012.
The Clare Solar Farm has about 880,000 solar panels, each of which can produce up to 160 watts. The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 646,000 tons annually, and its operation results in the provision of electricity to about 37,000 homes in the area. It also substantially lessens the country’s reliance on conventional, fossil fuel-based power facilities.
Powerplant Clermont Solar Farm Reviews
A 100 megawatt solar power station called Clermont Solar Farm may be found in Clermont, Queensland, Australia, at coordinates -22.8446 latitude and 147.5855 longitude. It is one of the cleanest and most effective kinds of renewable energy available because it is an eco-friendly source of electrical power that is exclusively powered by solar radiation. Since it began operating on May 28th, 2019, Clermont Solar Farm has generated an estimated 243.23 megawatt hours of electricity annually.
Queensland’s efforts to lower emissions and develop renewable energy sources in the state include Clermont Solar Farm. The power plant also supports the local economy and aids in ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the area. Construction and upkeep generate jobs, and the region’s input resources are used.
Powerplant Collinsville Solar Farm Reviews
Collinsville Solar Farm is a 42MW solar power facility situated at latitude -20.5411 and longitude 147.8074 in Collinsville, Queensland, Australia. The solar power plant, which will be operational in 2020, will generate 100.69 GWh of electricity annually. Solar energy, which serves as the principal fuel source for Collinsville Solar Farm, is used to power it. In Australia and other parts of the world, solar energy is becoming a more common option for renewable energy initiatives since it is environmentally beneficial and non-polluting.
The Collinsville Solar Farm will be built in 2020, following the current trend of using renewable energy. It is a component of a bigger initiative to decrease Australia’s dependency on coal-fired power stations in an effort to increase the sustainability and dependability of the nation’s energy mix. The Collinsville Solar Farm is a vital component of the area’s energy infrastructure because it produces enough electricity to meet the demands of over 5,000 local residences and businesses.
Powerplant Darling Downs Solar Farm Reviews
A 110 MW power facility known as the Darling Downs Solar Farm is located in Darling Downs, in the southeast of Queensland, Australia. The exact coordinates of the place are Latitude -27.1169 and Longitude 150.8942. The main fuel source for electricity generation, which started in January 2017, is solar energy. The power station has produced an estimated 266.79 MW of electricity since it first began operating.
The Darling Downs Solar Farm is a component of the much bigger Watson’s Solar Farm project, which, when complete, will have the ability to generate up to 600 MW of electricity. Neoen, a major player in the French renewable energy market, is the owner of the Darling Downs Solar Farm. Neoen also runs a number of neighboring wind farms, with a combined capacity of up to 600 MW and room for expansion.
FAQ
Q. Is it possible to generate electricity through solar energy in Australia?
A. In Australia, it is feasible to produce power using solar energy. Modern photovoltaic technology enables solar panels to capture sunlight and transform it into electrical energy. It can be utilized to run small and large-scale power plants as well as residences and businesses.
Q. What are the benefits of using solar energy in Australia?
A. When used in Australia, solar energy offers a number of advantages: it is a dependable and renewable source of energy that can produce the majority of the energy needed on-site; it is affordable when used on a large scale and helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels; and it is healthy for the environment, lowering pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Q. How efficient are solar power plants in Australia?
A. Australia has many highly effective solar energy facilities. Australia receives a lot of sunlight, and solar energy facilities can generate electricity that is competitive with that from other sources. A solar power plant’s efficiency is primarily influenced by its size, technology, and the area it covers.
Q. What are the financial incentives available for solar power plants in Australia?
A. Different financial incentives are provided by the Australian government to promote the construction of solar power facilities. These can include feed-in tariffs and tax deductions. Additionally, companies that install solar power plants could qualify for a number of grant schemes. To learn about the incentives that are offered, it is crucial to contact the state government that is relevant.
Q. How much maintenance is required for a solar power plant in Australia?
A. Australia’s solar power facilities require extremely little upkeep. Maintenance often include checking the system and making any necessary repairs, such as making sure the inverters and wiring are working properly and cleaning the solar panels to remove dust. This kind of maintenance may be necessary every one to three months.
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Cory Combs is the Lead Writer and a key contributor at PowerPlantForum.com, a top resource for energy professionals and enthusiasts. With over a decade of experience in power plant operations and a degree in Electrical Engineering, Cory is a recognized authority in the field. His expertise in optimizing energy systems is informed by extensive hands-on experience and research. Follow Cory for the latest updates and expert insights on Instagram.