With construction of the Metz Solar Farm beginning this month, Armidale Regional Council is excited to see the economic benefits the large scale renewables project is set to bring to the region for years to come.
The site of the 115-MWac Metz Solar Farm is located approximately 18 kilometres east of Armidale off Waterfall Way, and will produce enough renewable energy to power around 40,000 homes per annum. This will avoid the emission of over 77,600 tonnes of CO2 per year - the equivalent of taking almost 30,000 cars off the road each year. Once complete, the Metz Solar Farm is expected to generate renewable energy for up to 30 years.
The development, which is owned by Foltowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) and being constructed by Beon Energy Solutions, is expected to bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to both the Armidale region and NSW. With many similar investments expected over the coming years, Armidale and the New England Renewable Energy Zone will be a national leader in the field.
The project is expected to see around 200 jobs created during the two year construction phase, with Beon aiming to employ as many locals as possible. Roles such as labourers, electricians, forklift and trucks drivers, site-based office roles and contractors are expected to benefit, with this set to have positive flow-on effects for our local economy. Businesses such as cafes, restaurants, retail establishments, petrol stations, mechanics and hardware stores will also see an increase in business as a result of this project.
In addition to these benefits, Beon says it is committed to encouraging and supporting local women to work onsite in an effort to get more females involved in the renewable energy sector.
The Metz Solar Farm is set to be the first of many investments in renewable energy in the region over the next ten years, and will kick-start the process to our region becoming an economic powerhouse.
