SolarReserve and OZ Minerals team up for transmission line

An artist's rendering of the Aurora Solar Energy Project

SolarReserve and OZ Minerals have entered into a long-term agreement to commission a new high-voltage electricity transmission line in South Australia.

The 270km high-voltage power line will support SolarReserve’s Aurora Solar Energy Project as well as OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill mine and Carrapateena project.

“We are excited to partner with OZ Minerals in this key initiative that brings together two private companies to develop a major piece of infrastructure for South Australia, resulting in a well-thought out project that will meet today’s needs and enable tomorrow’s opportunities,” SolarReserve CEO Kevin Smith said.

In January, SolarReserve received development approval for its Aurora Solar Energy Project, a key milestone required to build the landmark 150MW solar thermal power station 30km north of Port Augusta.

SolarReserve hopes to build six solar thermal projects in South Australia in the next 10 years.

OZ Minerals and SolarReserve will equally share operational costs for the first 35km of the line.

ElectraNet has been engaged to provide preliminary services for the design and tender of the new transmission line solution.

“As well as supporting SolarReserve’s Aurora Solar Energy Project, this new transmission line will enhance security of power supply, enable the execution of OZ Minerals’ Prominent Hill mine plan, reduce line losses for Carrapateena operations and provide future optionality for province expansion at Carrapateena,” OZ Minerals CEO Andrew Cole said.

“It has the capacity for additional projects to draw power or input generation, unlocking the Far North for future mining and renewable energy projects.

“We look forward to working with SolarReserve to explore additional renewable options for our other projects, such as West Musgrave.”

The preliminary work is underway with the line expected to be operational by mid-2020.

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