Canadian Solar has acquired a 30MW solar farm in Mannum, South Australia, which will help to power Mid-Murray region agribusinesses.
Following the acquisition, the farm will be constructed in two stages, the first 5 megawatt stage will commence construction in January with the second 25 megawatt stage to follow later in 2019. Once complete the farm will generate 30 megawatts of renewable energy.
Built by Tetris Energy, the project is located adjacent to the Mannum 33/132kV substation which connects to the SA Power Network feeders that are servicing the main Mannum to Adelaide SA Water pumps and pipeline. A connection agreement has been entered into with SA Power Networks.
Revenues for the first phase will be supported by a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Flow Power and a separate LGC agreement. The Mid-Murray region is home to several intensive agricultural businesses, which include large-scale dairy, a piggery, and vegetable cool rooms.
Flow Power has existing supply arrangements in place with some of these customers, including leading wine producer Pernod Ricard Winemakers, which last year announced it would enter into a PPA with Flow Power as part of its commitment to source 100% renewable energy. Flow Power will look to expand its competitive retail offering on the back of the Mannum Solar Farm PPA.
“We’re pleased to be working alongside Tetris Energy and Canadian Solar to deliver more effective, low-cost and renewable energy solutions to businesses in the Mid-Murray region and beyond,” said Flow Power managing director, Matthew van der Linden.
“This is another exciting development for our business as we move towards our 100% renewable electricity goal, and for the broader industry providing cost effective renewable energy solutions,” said Helen Strachan, Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ legal and corporate affairs director.
“We are proud to be leaders in defining the future of sustainable business in a rapidly changing environment.”