CONSTRUCTION has begun on two renewable energy projects worth $670 million near Port Augusta.
DP Energy and Spanish global energy company Iberdrola are investing $500m in a hybrid wind and solar plant at Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park while Nexif has begun the $170m stage 2 expansion of its Lincoln Gap Wind Farm.
Premier Steven Marshall said these major investments show Port Augusta would become a critical component of SA's renewable energy revolution delivering cheaper, cleaner electricity to households and businesses.
"During the construction phase of the DP Energy and Iberdrola project, there will be 200 full-time construction jobs and 20 full-time ongoing jobs once the project is complete," he said.
"Nexif's expansion will generate 110 jobs during the construction phase and 10 ongoing jobs once operational.
"We welcome the investment by Iberdrola into Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park as its debut into the Australian market.
"Nexif's $170m stage 2 expansion, follows a $200m investment in stage 1 and a proposed $400m investment in stage 3.
"These projects provide a critical boost to SA's post-COVID economic recovery, and are encouraged by the SA-NSW interconnector which provides them with new export opportunities."
Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said that once completed, DP and Iberdrola's project would showcase a new generation of renewables designed to provide predictable power more uniformly across the day.
"This international project highlights how the SA-NSW Interconnector is cementing SA's role in a clean energy future, with the $500m project comprising 110MW of solar generation and 210MW of wind generation," he said.
"The project will see 50 wind turbines take advantage of the Port Augusta area's usual high daytime wind resources, in addition to 245,000 solar panels.
"The project's combined solar and wind generation output is expected to closely match SA's electricity demand profile, which will help place downwards pressure on electricity prices while also assisting with the security and reliability of the grid.
"Nexif's $170m stage 2 comprises 86 MW of wind and 10MW/10MWh of battery storage.
"When Lincoln Gap is complete Nexif will have invested $770m in 364 MW of wind power at the site."
Mr van Holst Pellekaan said these projects were part of a move to achieve 100pc renewable energy in SA by 2030.
"We are working hard to leverage our wind and solar resources to attract investment and support a growth of the jobs from the renewable energy sector," he said.
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