The largest GCC-based solar PV (photovoltaic) developer Abdul Latif Jameel Energy’s FRV Metz Solar Farm in Australia has achieved the requirements for commercial operation and is now operating at 100% capacity. 

 

Leading developer of sustainable energy solutions, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures Australia (FRV) has developed the PV Plant which has a capacity of 115 MWac, capable of meeting the energy demand of up to 40,000 households, along with Canadian infrastructure fund Omers.

 

The plant has been generating clean energy since December 2021, contributing towards the energy demand and economic development of the local area, while helping to drive Australia’s transition to green energy. 

 

Annual production capacity 300,000 MWh

Located in New South Wales, next to Hillgrove, 20 km East of Armidale and spanning over 248 hectares, the plant has a net annual energy production capacity of over 300,000 MWh.

 

Forming an important part of FRV Australia’s clean energy portfolio, now fully operational, the plant will further drive FRV’s mission to support Australia’s clean energy mandate. The company has developed almost 800 MWdc of Australian operational PV assets across 9 projects for a total project investment value of over $1 billion.

 

Metz Solar Farm project signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Snowy Hydro in 2018 and closed the financing agreement in December 2020 with Westpac and NORD/LB in the form of a Green Loan compliant with the Loan Market Association Green Loan Principles and the Green Projects requirements.

 

Empowering communities

Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Abdul Latif Jameel Energy is dedicated to empowering local communities to transition towards the use of more sustainable energy models.  Metz Solar Farm reaffirms our ongoing commitment to working with likeminded partners to deliver innovative solutions that will contribute towards the world’s renewable energy targets. 

 

“Such projects serve as a strong example of the impact that can be achieved through working together and combining our skills and expertise towards greater climate resilience and societal and economic development for all.”

 

So far, the project has positively impacted the local community, creating more than 100 jobs during construction. Some jobs will also be created mainly to perform asset management and operational maintenance.

 

EPC contractor

Beon Energy Solutions (Beon) is the EPC Contractor which carried out the construction of the project.

 

FRV Australia’s CEO, Carlo Frigerio, said: "This is the fourth project that FRV has delivered in NSW and another key milestone for Australia’s energy transformation process ahead of the retirement of coal power stations in the coming years."-- TradeArabia News Service