The sun is certainly shining in far north Queensland with construction starting this month on a new solar farm at Lakeland.
The project being delivered by downstream solar company Conergy is the southern hemisphere’s first integrated solar, storage and fringe-of-grid project of this scale, and will demonstrate grid-to-islanding functionality.
Conergy has appointed BMD Constructions as the major sub-contractor for its $42.5 million project which will be located off the Mulligan Highway.
BMD Constructions will undertake civil, mechanical and structural works on the 60-hectare site, with up to 50 people working onsite during the six-month construction phase.
Up to 10 people will be involved in the ongoing operation of the project during its expected lifespan of more than 20 years.
The multi-million dollar project has been designed to consistently feed renewable energy into the grid and demonstrate the capability for large-scale solar and storage to provide reliable future power quality and supply at fringe-of-grid locations.
Conergy managing director David McCallum said the strategic business relationship with BMD Constructions would enable the project to begin construction next month for completion by April next year.
“As the owner, developer and engineer for the Lakeland Solar & Storage Project, Conergy needed an experienced operator that was not only familiar with the unique demands of the energy sector, but also had worked extensively in regional Queensland locations,” Mr MacCallum said.
“We look forward to working with BMD Constructions to create this landmark project, which combines the latest developments in solar technology with utility-scale battery storage to feed consistent, quality power into the existing electricity grid.
“When operational, this project will produce enough electricity to power more than 3,000 homes and will connect to one of Australia’s most remote National Electricity Market (NEM) connected substations.”
BMD Constructions (Industrial) general manager Paul Elliott said the organisation would draw on its extensive experience working in the North Queensland region when collaborating with project owner Conergy during the construction phase of the project.
“We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate, utilising local resources, plant and labour force. Our strong reputation in the North Queensland region is built on continued strong performance and collaboration with local suppliers and subcontractors,” Mr Elliott said.
“BMD will directly employ approximately 20 workers during the construction phase of the Lakeland Solar & Storage Project, some of whom will be local.
“We are also committed to helping upskill the local workforce to provide an overall residual benefit and growth to the region.
“BMD is a proud local in North Queensland, having delivered a vast range of infrastructure projects in the region over the past two decades.
“We are looking forward to drawing on our experience working in regional and remote areas throughout the construction phase of the project.”
