Metis Energy to develop 111 MW solar farm in Australia

Singapore renewable energy company Metis Energy is developing its first solar project in Australia.

The 111 MW Gunsynd Solar Farm in Goondiwindi, Queensland will produce up to 250 GWh of energy annually. This is equivalent to abating approximately 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions and powering up to 32,000 households in Queensland annually.

Metis Energy has signed a long-term power purchase agreement with renewable energy provider SmartestEnergy Australia to supply energy from the Gunsynd Solar Farm.

Metis Energy has issued PCL Solar with a Notice to Proceed for the engineering, procurement and construction works. During the construction phase, the project will have a peak workforce of 100 people. There will also be opportunities for local businesses and the community in Goondiwindi over the course of the project and when it begins operations.

The Gunsynd Solar Farm will be the cornerstone of Metis Energy's expanding Australian portfolio. The company is planning to develop the A$1.2 billion Bendemeer renewable energy hub in New South Wales. The project comprises 360 MW of wind, 210 MW of solar, and a two-hour 200 MW battery storage. The project is in the New England renewable energy zone and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Solar opportunities in Australia

Australia is prioritising a rapid and large-scale escalation in solar power production.

There are significant opportunities for investors to help build Australia’s solar PV production and export capability, including:

• developing an integrated silicon and solar cell supply chain
• advanced manufacturing – the Australian Government recently announced A$1 billion in funding for solar PV manufacturing
• polysilicon production
• recycling
• research and development.

Investment into Australia’s solar power generation sector also provides a pathway into other renewables investments. Solar farms are increasingly incorporated into hybrid solar and wind power generation, and sometimes with battery storage.

There are also opportunities to secure green PPAs with Australia-based organisations as they switch to renewable energy. Equinix, BHP and Rio Tinto are some companies that have signed major green PPAs with renewable energy developers in Australia.

Find out more about investment opportunities in Australia’s solar industry.