The solar farm, 10km south of Moree, comprises close to 223,000 tracking solar PV modules and is expected to produce roughly 145GWh of energy annually – enough to supply around 24,000 households.
It is the first large Australian solar project to use a single-axis tracking system.
The project’s PV modules follow the sun's path from east to west to maximise the energy generated during the day.
Origin CEO, energy markets, Frank Calabria noted the vertically-integrated company was the world’s first energy company to adopt all seven “We Mean Business” coalition commitments on climate change.
“We’ll continue to lead on reducing emissions by entering into PPAs on large-scale renewable projects like Moree, as well as empowering our customers through our in-home solar and battery solutions,” he added.
“Solar technology has improved dramatically over the past few years and the cost has come down as a result.
“There has never been a better time for Origin to pursue large-scale solar opportunities – and fulfil its aspiration to be one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies.”
Origin has contracted for all the electricity generated and all the Renewable Energy Certificates created from Moree solar farm – meeting consumer demand for renewable energy and helping meet the company’s obligations under the Commonwealth’s Renewable Energy Target.
The utility believes Moree offers an ideal climate for solar generation, with the facility expected to have a minimal variation in annual output of around 5%.
FRV CEO Rafael Benjumea said the transaction was a “key step” in achieving the venture’s strategy to develop and build renewable power generation assets across Australia and globally.
“The agreement is yet another Australian market first for FRV and demonstrates that stability is starting to return to the Australian renewable energy market,” he said.
Moree has been funded by FRV with the support of an Australian Renewable Energy Agency grant and debt on commercial terms from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
Origin is also pursuing developments in utility scale solar and was recently shortlisted for funding by ARENA for a development approved site in Darling Downs, Queensland.
