Mount Isa will get new technology construction jobs to deliver the proposed innovative North West Queensland Hybrid Power Project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The project combines Vast Solar's modular tower concentrating solar thermal power technology with photovoltaic, battery and gas engine generator.
Minister for Energy Mick de Brenni said the call was out for Queenslanders to build what could be Australia's largest hybrid generator, generating 50 megawatts of cleaner, cheaper energy.
"The Palaszczuk Government is supportive of new clean energy innovation on the path to our 50 per cent renewable energy target," Mr de Brenni said.
"Our publicly owned generator Stanwell is partnering with Vast Solar to develop feasibility options for electrifying the resources sector with dispatchable, low-cost, reliable clean energy."
Mr de Brenni said the NWQHPP would need a highly-skilled workforce during the two-year build and dozens of permanent skilled jobs over the 30-year life of the plant.
"The proposed project will align to the Buy Queensland procurement approach, meeting the highest standards around local content, local workforce and decent wages and conditions," he said.
"It will demonstrate how renewables can provide continuous energy to power large industrial and resource businesses in the North West, because that ultimately means more Queensland jobs."
Vast Solar CEO Craig Wood said the project was calling for expressions of interest from contractors across a range of workstreams.
"This is another significant milestone as we work through the feasibility study and get closer to turning soil on site," Mr Wood said.
"We are looking forward to hearing from a range of contractors who will be critical in bringing this project to life."
Mr Wood said construction would require collaboration between local, regional and national experts from a range of fields, and will involve hundreds of workers from Mount Isa and the surrounding area.
"Vast Solar has been engaging local contractors to deliver various services at the proposed project site since July 2020, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to providing local employment opportunities," he said.
"We're ensuring the project is developed in conjunction with local contractors and government wherever possible."
Vast Solar and Stanwell announced a joint development agreement to undertake the $10 million feasibility study for the NWQHPP in March.
The joint study is expected to be completed in late 2021, which is one of several milestones to be reached in order to reach final investment decision and project approval.
Mount Isa could benefit from low cost, reliable, clean energy in 2023 as part of a staggered construction program that brings some elements of the hybrid power plant into operations early.
READ ALSO: Lee Kernaghan leads Mount Isa Rodeo line-up
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Google News
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
