Woolooga Solar Farm

INTRODUCTION

The Woolooga Solar Farm is developed by Lightsource bp and located in Lower Wonga, Queensland.The project is complemented by the development of a substantial Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to enhance grid stability and energy reliability.

Key Project Details

  • Capacity: 214 MW DC
  • Annual Energy Output: Approximately 438,000 MWh
  • Homes Powered: Equivalent to powering around 63,158 Australian households per year
  • COâ‚‚ Emission Reduction: Offsets more than 350,400 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, comparable to removing over 145,950 fuel-burning cars from the road each year
  • Total Area: Over 500 hectares
  • olar Panels Installed: Approximately 450,000

Location

Situated approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Gympie, the Woolooga Solar Farm spans over 500 hectares.

Project Timeline

Development Approval: 2017 by Gympie Regional Council

Construction Commencement: Date not specified

Commissioning Date: Late 2022

Commercial Operation: Late 2022

The project received development approval in 2017, and Lightsource bp successfully brought the solar farm to full commercial operation by late 2022.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

To enhance the integration of renewable energy into the grid, Lightsource bp is developing a Battery Energy Storage System also located with the Woolooga Solar Farm:

  • Capacity: 200 MW
  • Storage: 400 MWh (two-hour duration)
  • Components: 128 battery units
  • Functionality: The BESS will store excess energy generated during off-peak times and release it during peak demand periods, providing flexible power and grid-stabilizing services to support renewables and improve energy reliability.
  • Expected Operational Date: By mid-2026

This system will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid, helping to support low-cost electricity and enhance the reliability of the National Electricity Market (NEM) as well as Queensland’s electricity grid.

Economic & Environmental Benefits

  • Renewable Energy Contribution: Adds 214 MW of clean energy capacity to Queensland’s electricity grid, supporting the state’s renewable energy targets.
  • Job Creation: Created numerous jobs during the construction phase, with ongoing roles in asset management and operational maintenance.
  • Environmental Impact: Offsets more than 350,400 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, contributing to significant environmental benefits.

Community & Partnerships

Lightsource bp engaged with local stakeholders throughout the development and construction phases, ensuring the project delivered benefits to the local community. The company emphasizes the involvement of local contractors and suppliers, fostering economic growth within the region.

The Woolooga Solar Farm exemplifies Lightsource bp’s dedication to advancing renewable energy infrastructure in Australia, delivering substantial economic and environmental benefits to the Queensland region and contributing to the nation’s sustainable energy future.

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