Hybrid Solar Plant Plans Spark Interest

Mayor Danielle Slade has expressed her confidence in the potential of a proposed $640 million solar farm that is anticipated to be built several kilometres outside of Mount Isa.

The Chief Executive Officer of Vast Solar, Craig Wood, and the Business Origination Manager of Stanwell, Chris Peet, met with Cr Slade on Wednesday, March 17, to discuss Vast Solar’s planned North West Queensland Hybrid Power Plant.

“We are very excited to hear about the $640 million investment and the creation of between 300 and 400 jobs during the construction phase of the hybrid power plant, and more than 30 ongoing jobs when the plant is up and running,” Cr Slade said.

“Creating sustainable energy for the future is integral and very important to both the private and public sector.

“The delivery of secure, reliable, around-the-clock and low-cost power to the community using world-leading technology will bring with it a raft of benefits for Mount Isa residents.

“This project will be a world-class facility and will deliver further opportunities for research in the tertiary sector.

“It may even be an opportunity for sustainable-energy tourists to visit the site in the future.”

Vast Solar has indicated that North West Queensland Hybrid Power Plant will use mirror-based concentrated solar thermal power technology, which will be integrated with a solar photovoltaic system, a large-scale battery and gas-powered engines, in the process producing 85 per cent clean energy while using more than 80 per cent less fuel than traditional gas-powered generators.