Giant solar thermal plant to boost SA’s power supply

Unveiled by the state government on Monday, the plant, called Aurora, will be the biggest of its kind in the world and will supply all of the government’s power needs.

The result came after five years of campaigning by the Repower Port Augusta and Solar Citizens group.

Construction of the 150-megawatt plant will begin in 2018 and will create 650 local jobs during construction.

Additionally, the plant will provide a supply of baseload electricity, which has been a reoccuring problem in SA.

It is predicted to boost market competition and reduce power prices.

Port Augusta mayor Sam Johnson said the town would continue play a key role in delivering energy for SA, but in a new innovative way, following the closure of coal-powered station last year.

“It’s a game-changer we needed,” he said.

“Obviously there was a lull when the power station was closed but this gives hope back to those people affected and the region.”

“We have been campaigning, trying to transition from coal to solar thermal, and it’s finally come to fruition.”

SolarReserve, a private United States-based renewable energy company, was awarded the contract to supply the government’s power requirements.

The concept involves thousands of mirrors (heliostats) situated to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a central receiver at the top of a tower.

The process heats molten salt, pumped to the top of the tower and flowing through the receiver, to 565 degrees.

The molten salt provides a stored heat source which is used to generate steam to drive a single turbine that generates electricity.

It can generate power at a full load for up to eight hours after sunset.

Under normal operating conditions, the plant will have a net capacity of about 35MW, with the ability to increase the output in favourable conditions such as in the evenings.

Premier Jay Weatherill said the project would enhance SA’s reputation as a leader in clean, cheap renewable energy.

“We are supporting this nation-leading renewable energy project because it will deliver more competition into our energy market and put a downward pressure on power prices for households and businesses,” he said.

Opposition energy and mining spokesperson Dan van Holst Pellekaan welcomed the project and said it was a positive outcome for Port Augusta and SA.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan said despite wind farms and solar farms in the state, there was a lack of reliable baseload electricity in SA, which the plant would revamp.

“The new one will be smaller than the old Port Augusta power station but it will be renewable energy with storage which is why it will be so important.”

Construction is expected to be completed in 2020.