A $440 million solar power project from AGL, in Nyngan and Broken Hill, officially opened last Wednesday after becoming operational in July and December, 2015.
The solar plants combined are estimated to generate enough electricity to power over 50,000 homes, doubling Australia’s previous solar capacity.
Nyngan is the largest solar plant in Australia, ranking above the the second biggest – Broken Hill.
Combined, the projects received a cool $65m from NSW and a further $166.7m from federal government.
The opening ceremony, held in Nyngan, was attended by member for Barwon Kevin Humphries, NSW Energy Minister Anthony Roberts, Parkes MP Mark Coulton and federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
Mr Roberts said the construction of the solar plants created 450 regional jobs, giving economic support to remote economies.
“Around 35 per cent of renewable energy companies in Australia have their headquarters in NSW, an industry that now supports about 20,000 jobs,” Mr Roberts said.
“At full capacity, the Nyngan solar plant can generate 102 megawatts, which is enough to power 33,000 NSW homes,” Mr Roberts said.
“Along with the 53 megawatt Broken Hill solar plant, the Solar Flagship projects can power more than 50,000 homes.”
Mr Humphries said the solar projects had generated $30m in investment during the construction phase into Broken Hill and Nyngan.
“We estimate more than $222m will flow into the regions over the next 30 years through employment and direct maintenance service requirements,” he said.
Mr Roberts said under the state’s Renewable Energy Action Plan, eight new NSW solar farm projects have been shortlisted for funding.