14 August 2017
Business SA welcomes the South Australian Government’s decision to anchor a $650 million solar thermal plant, to be built by SolarReserve at Port Augusta.
The solar thermal power plant will be built to supply a capacity of 150 MW, which will be designed to power the South Australian Government’s load of 125 MW.
Business SA Senior Policy Adviser Andrew McKenna says today’s announcement is good for South Australian business because it brings a new competitor into the market which can deliver firm contracts for industry.
“Business SA has been supportive of this project for its ability to provide firm renewable power in a concept which has been proven at a similar scale in the United States,” Mr McKenna said.
“Business SA recognises that the Federal Government has previously provided financial support to this project, and now with the State Government backing the project through its own energy tender, it shows that both levels of government have played a role in addressing the state’s energy challenges.”
Mr McKenna said the project will also generate much-needed jobs in the Port Augusta region, which has suffered since the closure of the Northern Power Station last May.
“The Aurora project will give residents and business owners in Port Augusta and its surrounding districts much-needed confidence as the project ramps up over the next three years,” he said.
The project is also being delivered at $78 per MWh and with some additional supply still available we would hope this helps put downward pressure on prices.”