Progress with Flinders solar and turbine farms

To be built 20 kilometres east of Hughenden, the Kennedy Energy Park will include 200,000 solar panels and eight wind turbines; consisting of 19.2 MW (AC) solar photovoltaic (PV), 21.6 MW wind and 2 MW/4 MWh battery storage.

Flinders Shire Council mayor, Jane McNamara, said the project would deliver renewable energy on demand.

“The most recent update is that the configuration of the site has been changed and the Kennedy Energy Park is still in negotiations with Ergon Energy for the connection,” she said.

“15 to 20 laborers will be sourced locally to construct this project.”

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said the wind and solar farm would boost energy supply and reliability.

“The Kennedy Energy Park is the first project in Australia to harness solar, wind and battery technology to bring dispatchable renewable energy to the state’s grid while relieving network demand,” Mr Bailey said.

"This investment, will bolster energy security from Julia Creek to Charters Towers.”

A smaller solar farm will also be established in Hughenden, when Overland Sunfarming Company constructs 160,000 solar panels.

“We had a visit from the German investors from BayWa on January 27 who came and inspected the site,” Ms McNamara said.

“The company is in negotiations with council to finalise agreements.”

Construction for both projects should commence July.