Australia Approves Two Major Solar Power Projects Totaling 800 MW, Boosting Renewable Energy

Australia approves 800 MW of solar power projects in Queensland, further driving its renewable energy agenda. Goulburn River Solar Park and Sixteen Mile Solar Project will power 371,000 homes and cut CO₂ emissions.

The Australian government has given the green light to two new solar power projects in Queensland, with a combined capacity of 800 MW, further strengthening the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. The approved projects are the 450 MW Goulburn River Solar Park and the 350 MW Sixteen Mile Solar Project, which together will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 371,000 homes.

Goulburn River Solar Park (450 MW)

Located near Merriwa, between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, the Goulburn River Solar Park is set to deliver 450 MW of power. The project will feature 1 million solar panels, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and local infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements. The park will be connected to Australia’s existing electricity transmission network and is expected to generate enough energy to power 191,000 homes.

Sixteen Mile Solar Project (350 MW)

The Sixteen Mile Solar Project, situated near Chinchilla, Queensland, will install 579,660 solar panels and a 120 MW battery storage system. The project aims to reduce 650 kilotonnes of CO₂ emissions per year and will be linked to the Western Downs Substation. Once operational, it will contribute to the country's green energy targets and further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Australia’s Renewable Energy Drive

In the past two years, Australia has approved 63 renewable energy projects, amounting to enough capacity to power over 7 million homes. At the end of 2023, the country had over 11 GW of wind power, representing 11% of its installed capacity, all of which is generated from onshore wind farms. These projects reflect Australia’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing its clean energy goals.