The Australian Government has today welcomed the commencement of construction of a solar farm that has been enabled by NBN Co's commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity purchases from December 2025.
The solar farm at West Wyalong in New South Wales will provide almost 20 per cent of the NBN's power requirements in coming years and create 150 local jobs during construction.
Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP today turned the first sod on the site, which will extend over 260 hectares and feature approximately 127,000 solar panels.
NBN Co will use 51.4 per cent of the expected power generated by the solar farm. This equates to approximately 55 per cent of NBN Co's energy consumption in NSW and 19 per cent of its national energy consumption.
Power generation at the solar farm is expected to begin in late 2022 and electricity generated will be enough to power the equivalent of 27,000 Australian homes.
For more on NBN Co's commitment to reducing emissions, visit NBN Co announces 100 percent Renewable Electricity target and Towards Zero Carbon ambition | nbn
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP:
"I congratulate NBN Co on this important milestone as they move towards their commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity purchases from December 2025."
"This initiative will not only support NBN Co with their climate transition, it will also support Australia's transition to net-zero and create up 150 jobs in the Griffith and West Wyalong community and stimulate the local economy."
"It is critical Australian organisations and communities find ways to reduce emissions, and NBN Co through it's 100 per cent renewables commitment is not only reducing emissions, it is also the first Australian telecommunications company and Australian government business enterprise to join the global RE100 initiative."
