Victorian solar farm connects to the grid

RCR Tomlinson
RCR worked on the recently completed Gannawarra solar farm

Wirsol Energy’s Gannawarra solar farm in northwest Victoria has been energised and connected to the grid.

The 60MW project – developed and co-owned by Edify Energy – is the first large-scale solar farm to be grid-connected in Victoria.

The solar farm is connected on site to Powercor’s 66kV distribution line between Swan Hill and Kerang, providing easy access to Victoria’s power grid.

“The Gannawarra solar farm is in every respect a world leading project and is testament to the future role of solar in enhancing energy supply across Australia,” WIRSOL managing director Mark Hogan said.

“Once through commissioning and in full, 18,100 Victorian households will be drawing solar power.

“The next step is combining the Gannawarra Energy Storage System to the solar farm, which will set a new benchmark for solar projects in this country.

“The benefits of these types of projects will resonate with Australian consumers and the broader economy for many years.”

The Gannawarra Energy Storage System is a 25MW/50MWh Tesla Powerpack battery developed by Edify Energy and owned jointly by Wirsol Energy and Edify Energy.

“Once completed, the combined solar and storage facility will be one of the largest in the world, enhancing the reliability of the grid in northwest Victoria, and helping underpin future economic growth,” Mr Hogan said.

The project is expected to be complete by summer 2018.

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