The banksia Solar Project

The Banksia Solar Project

The Banksia Solar Project is located 11 km east of Childers and will produce clean and affordable electricity for the Bundaberg Region, Queensland. The site will cover 210 hectares of private land which will be actively managed to support biodiversity and soil stability.

This 72-megawatt project is expected to have over 150,000 solar panels and will produce reliable, sustainable energy to power approximately 20,000 homes. In addition, it’ll create jobs and economic opportunities in the local area during both the construction and operation phases.

The Banksia Solar Project will generate clean energy for over 30 years, after which updated panels and equipment can be switched in or all equipment removed to leave the land substantially as it was.

The developer of Banksia is Venn Artibir Group PTY Ltd (VA), a joint venture with Venn Energy, a Canadian renewable energy development company, and Artibir Energy, a Turkish investment company.

In March 2019, Venn Energy and Artibir Energy launched a long-term strategic partnership to develop over 1 GW of renewable energy projects in Australia, including solar, wind, and energy storage.

Technical

1. MODULES

2. INVERTER

3. TRACKER

4. Network Service Provider

Project timeline

2017-2019

planning

permitting

2019-2023

2023-2024

construction

operation

2025

Project details

Near Childers, Bundaberg, Queensland

Development Approval Received January 2021

Expected Operation in 2025

The Banksia Solar Project is a 72 MW project located in Bundaberg in Queensland. The design considers the potential use of bi-facial solar panels to maximise the system’s efficiency and output. The project has been developed by Venn Artibir Group PTY Ltd (VA), with the collaboration of experienced local industry professionals, consultants, and partners.

The project is part of Queensland’s transition to a clean energy grid. By delivering high-quality renewable energy, corporate energy procurement demands will be fulfilled, promoting industrial development and creating job opportunities.

Geographical Advantages

VA and their Australian partners selected the site for the Banksia Solar project because of its naturally flat terrain, high levels of solar irradiation, and its strategic location adjacent to an existing Ergon Energy 132 kV substation.

The site is located on 210 hectares of semi-cleared land used primarily for grazing.

The VA team wish to thank the landowners, local community, and Bundaberg Regional Council for their support and collaboration throughout the ongoing development of this project.

About us

Venn Artibir Group Pty Ltd

Venn Energy and Artibir Energy formed the Australian joint venture Venn Artibir Group (VA). VA brings its expertise in project financing, development and operation to play a major role in Australia’s renewable energy sector by creating high-quality assets. Our team collectively has decades of experience in the sector as solar project developers, owners, and operators.

We engaged RPS Group to lead the projects Development Approval process, working with leading local experts in renewable energy in Australia, to deliver high-quality and accurate site assessments to develop our projects in harmony with local environmental and cultural values.

VA is dedicated to delivering renewable energy systems that benefit all stakeholders, including our local communities, landowners, investors, and future generations.

Our Team

Venn Artibir Group Pty Ltd is led and staffed by a team of experts with vast experience in renewable energy project development. Together we’ve implemented and operated clean energy projects worldwide, contributing significantly to the urgent and necessary global transition to clean and equitable energy.

We establish mutually successful long-term relationships with local partners and project communities. Our close collaboration with local stakeholders at every stage of development is fundamental to our success and our ethos.

The VA team collaborates with reputable local consultants throughout development to ensure the highest standards for all aspects of our projects, in line with all local requirements and international bankability criteria.

Community -
Our commitment

The Banksia Solar Project will substantially benefit the Bundaberg community, including reliable and affordable power for local residents and industries.

The project will bring economic benefits to the local community by creating local jobs, contracting opportunities throughout the supply chain, and additional investment opportunities.

Banksia will provide educational and training opportunities for the local community.

Supporting
Regional Environmental Goals

Banksia Solar Project’s presence will help to establish the Bundaberg Regional Council as a climate change leader. In addition, the clean energy produced at Banksia will contribute to Queensland and Australia’s renewable energy and emissions targets.

“The Queensland Government’s commitment to unlock renewable investment and achieve our renewable energy target of 50% by 2030 is a key mechanism to support our emissions reduction targets.”- Queensland Government.

frequently asked questions

How much electricity will Banksia Solar Project produce?

Banksia has a generation capacity of 72 MW, providing approximately 140,000 MWh annually of clean, zero-emission electricity – enough to power about 20,000 houses across QLD – for at least 30 years.

Where is Banksia Solar Project?

On land at 249 Lambs Road and 51 Buxton Road, Isis River, Bundaberg. This location is well-suited to solar power generation, with lots of sunlight and is close to an existing substation and connection to the transmission network.

What is the useable area of the land?

The total project usable area is approximately 210 hectares, which will be managed to maximise clean energy generation, enhance biodiversity and protect soil from further degradation.

How many solar panels are there?

There will be 150,000 solar photovoltaic modules, known more commonly as solar panels. These panels look identical to those installed on rooftops across Australia but are a little larger.

Who is the developer of the Banksia Solar Project?

Banksia Solar Project is a Venn Artibir Group project, a company with significant global experience in financing, developing, building and operating solar projects.

How long will the solar project operate?

Banksia will operate for at least 30 years when the plant is refurbished for further use or fully decommissioned.

Will the project be expanded in the future, given there is nearby land?

No. Due to grid constraints, there are no plans to extend Banksia. However, an energy storage facility will be added later, further improving Banksia’s contribution as a stable and predictable energy supplier to the grid in Queensland.

Is the project revenue plan based on the merchant market or a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”)?

Initially, the project will generate income based on the merchant market. However, PPA options will also be considered for the long-term operational stage.

Could a local electricity consumer sign a direct PPA with Banksia Solar Project?

Yes. Depending on the consumer profile, options include a direct PPA or through our retailer partners.

Will the development create lower power prices for residents?

New utility-scale solar projects like Banksia Solar Project can reduce the strain on the electricity network. This can help to reduce wholesale electricity prices overall. Lower wholesale prices reduce pricing pressure on retailers. Adding energy storage to the site will further improve grid stability and reduce wholesale prices.

How does Banksia generate power?

The solar panels are installed on ground-mounted frames that slowly track the sun’s daily movement. Using the solar energy they absorb, the solar panels generate DC electricity that goes into an onsite power reticulation system via DC to AC power conversion units. The AC electricity can then be dispatched to the 132 kV power transmission network via the ISIS Substation.

How often do you have to upgrade the technology?

Once constructed, it is not proposed that the technology would be upgraded. However, the solar farm is expected to operate for 30-40 years with regular maintenance. At which point the equipment could be upgraded or decommissioned.

(02) 6798 9445

banksiasoalrproject@vennenergy.com

(02) 6798 9445

banksiasoalrproject@vennenergy.com

The banksia Solar Project