• Clare will generate more electricity than any other solar power project in Australia
  • Plant will power 42,000 homes and reduce CO₂ emissions by 200,000 tons

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), a leading global utility-scale solar developer and part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, has signed an agreement to sell a large-scale solar project in Australia.

The agreement is with a consortium consisting of Lighthouse Infrastructure and DIF for the 100 MW AC (125 MW DC) Clare solar farm in Australia. When it is finished, it will produce enough energy to power 42,000 homes, more than any other solar project commissioned to date in the country, and allow the annual reduction of about 200,000 tons of CO₂.

The project, located 35 km southwest of Ayr, in northern Queensland, is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations later this year.

Roberto de Diego Arozamena, Chief Executive Officer of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, said: “This shows the growing strength and competitiveness of solar power, and we’re determined to continue pushing the boundaries of renewable technologies in Australia and around the world.

“All the projects we deliver are designed to maximize generation, and in this case 42,000 homes will be powered with clean energy, while at the same time allowing the annual reduction of about 200,000 tons of CO₂.”

Abdul Latif Jameel Energy announced in January 2017 it had secured financial close for the $200 million solar farm. The plant is the first to obtain funding without Government subsidy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

In May 2016, FRV signed a contract with the Australian energy company Origin Energy to sell 100% of electricity and large-scale renewable energy certificates produced by the plant (LRECs).