Lightsource bp to become Australia’s largest solar developer and owner

The UK company has started building its 425 MWdc Wellington North Solar Farm in New South Wales. The project is expected to create 400 jobs during construction.

It has also started work on the 90 MWdc Wunghnu Solar Farm in Victoria. The project is expected to create 170 jobs during construction.

Lightsource bp expects to complete both projects by 2024. The company has also recently entered into Power Purchase Agreements with ENGIE, Orica and Mars Australia.

‘Since entering the Australian market just 4 years ago our business has grown rapidly in Australia and the region,’ says Adam Pegg, Managing Director, Lightsource bp Australia and New Zealand. ‘We have a significant pipeline of large-scale solar projects underway, with more to come.’

Five major solar projects in Australia

Lightsource bp is a joint venture between Lightsource and bp. Over the past 10 years, it has expanded into 18 markets and regions, becoming a global leader in solar energy.

The company has 5 projects in operation and under construction across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. These projects total over 1GWp of generating capacity.

Its West Wyalong and Woolooga Solar Farms are in advanced stages of construction. They are due to be finished by the end of 2022. Its Wellington Solar Farm is operational and exporting power to the grid.

Lightsource bp is looking for other investment opportunities in Australia.

‘Australia needs more clean, low-cost energy in the power system to drive down costs for consumers, meet rising demand, combat climate change, and improve energy independence,’ says Pegg.

‘The outlook for solar in Australia and the region is incredibly strong. There is increasing political support, greater investor certainty, and capital looking to participate in the sector.’

How Austrade helped

Austrade supported Lightsource bp’s entry into Australia in 2017. The agency has provided:

• introductions to relevant industry and federal and state government representatives
• briefings on market and regulatory developments to help the firm better understand the Australian energy landscape.