By NewsBlogger AGL and SunDrive Solar are exploring the development of a commercial-scale photovoltaic manufacturing facility in the NSW Hunter region, supported by Prime Minister Albanese’s AUD 1 billion initiative. At the same time, Brimfield CUSD in Illinois has selected the Nexamp community solar program for annual savings exceeding $22,000 under a 20-year contract.
At a glance
- AGL and SunDrive Solar are exploring the development of a commercial-scale PV manufacturing facility in the NSW Hunter region.
- Prime Minister Albanese announced AUD 1 billion in subsidies to boost Australia’s solar manufacturing supply chain.
- SunDrive plans to produce the world’s most efficient solar cells at the proposed facility, aiming for over 30% efficiency within a decade.
- A feasibility study will be conducted to determine infrastructure requirements for the facility at the former Liddell power station site.
- Brimfield CUSD in Illinois has selected the Nexamp community solar program, resulting in annual savings exceeding $22,000 under a 20-year contract.
The details
AGL, in partnership with SunDrive Solar, has signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a commercial-scale photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility in the New South Wales (NSW) Hunter region.
This initiative comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced AUD 1 billion in subsidies, grants, and support to bolster Australia’s position in the global solar manufacturing supply chain.
The Solar SunShot Initiative
The Solar SunShot initiative, which aims to support the PV supply chain, including module manufacturing capabilities and other areas, will be overseen by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). SunDrive CEO Vince Allen expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, hailing it as a pivotal moment for both the company and the country.
SunDrive plans to produce the world’s most efficient commercial-size solar cells at the proposed facility, with aspirations to achieve over 30% efficiency within a decade.
The proposed facility is slated to be located at the former coal-fired Liddell power station site in the Hunter Valley, where AGL has existing approvals to construct a 500 MW / 1,000 MWh battery.
Feasibility Study
AGL and SunDrive will conduct a feasibility study to determine the necessary infrastructure and engineering requirements for the facility.
Additionally, there is potential for AGL to enter into an agreement to procure SunDrive panels for its customers.
AGL, a prominent supplier of solar energy to commercial and industrial clients, envisions the Hunter Energy Hub as a low-carbon integrated energy hub.
This collaboration with SunDrive is aligned with AGL’s strategy to repurpose the Liddell and Bayswater power station sites into environmentally friendly industrial hubs, fostering job creation in the community and surrounding areas.
Brimfield CUSD Solar Program
Meanwhile, Brimfield CUSD has selected the Nexamp community solar program in Illinois, which will result in annual savings exceeding $22,000 under a 20-year contract.
The district will host the 3-MW community solar tracking project named Jubilee Solar on school grounds near the high school baseball field.
Brimfield CUSD is set to receive a 23% allocation of the project, with the remaining portion reserved for individual residents in the vicinity.
The Jubilee Solar project, qualifying under the Illinois Shines Public Schools category, underscores the state’s initiative to enable public schools to host community solar projects.
Nexamp will be responsible for owning and operating the facility throughout the duration of the agreement, with the overarching goal of enhancing sustainability efforts and integrating more renewable energy into the local grid.
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| pv-magazine.com |
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| – AGL and SunDrive Solar have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a commercial-scale PV manufacturing facility in the NSW Hunter region – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced AUD 1 billion in subsidies, grants, and support to increase Australia’s role in the global solar manufacturing supply chain – The Solar SunShot initiative aims to support the PV supply chain, including module manufacturing capabilities and other areas – The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will deliver the program, focusing on various parts of the solar supply chain – SunDrive CEO Vince Allen welcomed the initiative, calling it an inflection point for the company and the country – SunDrive plans to manufacture the world’s most efficient commercial-size solar cells at the proposed facility – The facility would be located at the site of the former coal-fired Liddell power station in the Hunter Valley – AGL has approvals in place to build a 500 MW / 1,000 MWh battery at the location – SunDrive aims to produce solar panels with over 30% efficiency within a decade – AGL and SunDrive will conduct a feasibility study to identify infrastructure and engineering requirements for the facility – AGL may explore an agreement to buy SunDrive panels for its customers – AGL is a leading supplier of solar to both commercial and industrial customers – AGL’s vision for the Hunter Energy Hub is to create a low-carbon integrated energy hub – The agreement with SunDrive is part of AGL’s plan to transform the Liddell and Bayswater power station sites into clean industrial hubs – The partnership is expected to create jobs in the community and surrounding areas. |
| solarpowerworldonline.com |
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| – Brimfield CUSD in Illinois has chosen the Nexamp community solar program – The district will save more than $22,000 each year under a 20-year contract – The 3-MW community solar tracking project is called Jubilee Solar – The project will be sited on school grounds near the high school baseball field – Brimfield CUSD will receive a 23% allocation of the overall project – The rest of the project will be reserved for individual residents in the area – The project qualifies under the Illinois Shines Public Schools category – Public schools across Illinois can host community solar projects under this category – Nexamp will own and operate the facility over the life of the agreement – The project aims to increase sustainability efforts and bring more renewable energy to the local grid |
