Construction starts in earnest on Yarranlea Solar Farm – 23/07/2018

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Toowoomba based earthworks and surveying firms have moved into the second stage of the construction of the Yarranlea Solar Farm, Queensland.

Preliminary works have been completed, with the next phase of construction involving bulk earthworks to prepare the site for installation of the solar panels and substation equipment. The Yarranlea Solar project bulk earthworks contract was awarded to Sedl Contractors, the Toowoomba based, family owned earth moving civil contractors.

The ongoing survey works have been allocated to local firm Byrne Surveyors, a long-established Toowoomba survey firm. For over 50 years Byrne Surveyors has undertaken surveys throughout South West Queensland, covering the Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley, Granite Belt and Maranoa Districts.

Yarranlea Solar will be outsourcing construction contracts for the solar farm. This is specialised work, and local contractors and firms will be utilised where possible.

Planting of screening vegetation is also scheduled to commence soon.

As owners of the Yarranlea Solar Farm project, Risen Energy will progress the project from detailed engineering design, through construction, commissioning and ultimately the operation of the solar farm.

It is anticipated that approximately 200 positions will be created during the construction of the Yarranlea Solar farm which will have approximately 400,000 solar panels installed at the site. The workforce on site at any one time will vary as the project cycles through various construction phases (civil works, foundations, assembly, electrical assembly, cabling, commissioning).

Construction of the solar installation started mid-year and will continue through to 2019.

Yarranlea Solar is working with Ergon to develop a switching station which will allow the solar farm to connect to the existing 110kV network.

The Yarranlea Solar management team is currently addressing accommodation arrangements within the town of Pittsworth.

Yarranlea Solar Farm, Queensland

Yarranlea Solar Farm is located near Pittsworth, approximately 50km west of Toowoomba on the Darling Downs.The farm will be approximately 250ha in area and have a generation capacity of approximately 121.5 megawatts DC, being sufficient to power up to 32,000 homes.

The project will connect to the power grid using the existing Ergon Energy infrastructure, located close to the development site. This will allow transmission of power into the Middle Ridge Bulk Supply Substation for ultimate use in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs area.

Yarranlea Solar Farm, Queensland will use the latest Risen Energy PV panel technology and eventually integrate battery storage to allow it to supply power to the grid during periods of peak demand. The completed facility will have an operating life of 30 years, with the option for extensions. At the end of the facility’s useful operating life, all physical infrastructure will be decommissioned, and the land returned to its former agricultural use.

The project received development approval from the Toowoomba Regional Council in February 2017. Detailed studies and plans for the project can be accessed through the Yarranlea web site.www.yarranleasolar.com.au

About Risen Energy

Risen Energy was founded in 1986 and is a leading China-based PV solutions provider that is traded as an A-share on China’s Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

Risen Energy (Australia) has had an established presence in the Australian market since 2008, supplying solar PV panels for the retail market.Its long-term goal also includes the funding, constructing and operating commercial and utility-scale solar projects.

Risen Energy has over 6500 employees globally and are the seventh largest PV module supplier in the world, completing over thousands of grid-connected projects globally, including self-developed projects that they manage directly.

www.risenenergy.com.au

John Zhong, Project Development & Investment Director, Risen Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd is available for interview.

High res PV panel images are available on request.

Media contact:Brigitte ClaneyPhone: 0427 865 377Email:brigitte@mendleson.com.au

About Sedl Contractors

Sedl Contractors was founded in 1952 by Max & Patricia Sedl as MF & PM Sedl (Earthmoving) Pty Ltd, providing a reliable service in earthmoving, heavy haulage and asphalt works in the Toowoomba area. In 1986 Max & Patricia’s son Michael, joined the firm bringing his experience as a Diesel Mechanic in the heavy machinery industry to grow and maintain the growing fleet of trucks and earthmoving equipment.

The company is currently lead by Michael Sedl as a hands-on Managing Director, currently employing over 70 people and growing as testament to the foundations of quality and timely workmanship.

www.sedlcontractors.com.au