With
construction of the Metz Solar Farm beginning soon, 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.
Click here for
more information about the Metz Solar Farm.
Published on 29 Apr 2021