ROBBIE Katter is calling on Ergon to install the final piece of the puzzle for a large scale solar power project in the Gulf.
The State Member for Mount Isa recently met with Normanton Solar Farm developer Doug Scouller, from Scouller Energy, to discuss the project’s progress.
Scouller Energy is partnering with Canadian Solar to build and operate a 5MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power station at Normanton.
Mr Katter said the project sat at the end of Ergon’s distribution network where it is costly to deliver energy generated from coal fired power stations in the central and southern parts of the state.
“This is a significant investment in our region by Scouller Energy – one of the most important projects in the area,” Mr Katter said.
This is a significant investment in our region by Scouller Energy – one of the most important projects in the area
- Robbie Katter
“The Normanton Solar Farm is an impressive project, with solar panels stretching across 7.2 hectares of land, with about 30 people employed on the project.”
Mr Katter said it was time for the Solar Farm to get connected after it celebrated a major milestone with completion of construction of 16,000 solar panels.
“The project has been completed and now it is simply waiting for connection from Ergon Energy before it can be turned on,” he said.
“The final stage of the project is the connection to the grid being built by Ergon. This project is a big win for the areas so I hope Ergon can get into gear and get the project connected ASAP.”
Mr Katter said works would soon complete to enable the project to start putting energy into the grid and supply Normanton and Karumba.
“Generation situated at the remote parts of Ergon’s network, including solar, supports reliability and can offset the need for investment in poles and wires,” he said.
“We all know that brown-outs are a significant problem in remote areas such as Normanton and Karumba and these types of projects will help to improve reliability.”
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
