Tasmania’s first utility-scale solar farm secures offtake with Hydro Tasmania
Author: PPD Team Date: December 3, 2024
Tasmania’s first large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) project, the 288 MW Northern Midlands solar farm, has signed an offtake agreement with state-owned utility Hydro Tasmania, committing to purchase 100% of the energy generated by the A$500 million (US$325 million) project near Launceston.
The farm, developed by TasRex in partnership with investment manager Birdwood Energy, is expected to be operational by 2027.
Spanning 600 hectares and equipped with 670,000 solar PV modules, the solar farm will diversify Tasmania’s renewable energy portfolio. Construction, scheduled to start in 2026, is contingent on finalising landowner agreements, detailed design, contractor selection, and transmission network connections.
The project will create 370 jobs during construction and will be Tasmania’s fourth-largest energy generation facility.
Tasmania Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan emphasized the project’s role in supporting the state’s renewable energy mix and economic growth.
TasRex CEO Bess Clark highlighted the solar farm’s contribution to Tasmania’s goal of achieving 200% renewable energy by 2040 and its long-term benefits for clean energy and local employment.