Morgan to house nation’s biggest solar farm

The $700 million Riverland solar and $200m battery storage project at Morgan was announced late last week by constructors Lyon Group.

Lyon is also behind a similar $350m development at Roxby Downs, which is expected to begin construction in September and start operation in June next year.

“Riverland Solar Storage’s 330-megawatt solar generation and 100MW battery storage system will be Australia’s biggest solar farm, with 3.4m solar panels and will include 1.1m batteries,” Lyon partner David Green said.

“We can deliver reliable, flexible power to meet SA’s summer peak.”

Mid Murray mayor Dave Burgess said the project’s announcement was great news.

“It will bring skills and technology into the region,” he said.

Mr Burgess said the council would be speaking with Lyon Group about the possibility of using local contractors, with the project expected to employ about 270 workers.

Solar is also on the agenda in Port Augusta with SA Senator Nick Xenophon announcing a $110m low interest loan that would enable the installation of a solar thermal plant to provide baseline power, announced as part of negotiations on corporate tax cuts.

Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said this announcement was a re-affirmation of a similar commitment he made during last year’s election, with loans already available through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

In June, Mr Ramsey said the 110MW facility, which had a $1 billion price tag, would deliver higher efficiency and lower power costs for the state.