Public comment sought on proposed ACT solar power facility

The ACT Minister for Energy, Simon Corbell, has encouraged people to attend public consultation sessions on the proposed ACT solar power facility, stating: “The proposed solar power facility will be one of the most significant projects to have taken place in the ACT and is a strong indication of this government's commitment to supplying clean energy to Canberrans.

“It is important people are able to hear the details of the project and to ask questions as to how it will affect them. These consultation sessions provide that opportunity and I urge people to attend.”

The solar facility will have a minimum capacity of 86,000 MWh per annum and be capable of providing clean energy to at least 10,000 homes. The ACT government has short-listed two possible sites, one within the former Ingledene Forest and the other within Kowen Forest. The short-listing of these sites does not preclude potential proponents from identifying their own possible sites. The consultation meetings will be held to allow members of the public to participate in the consultation process.

“The government strongly supports the uptake of renewable energy in the ACT and has committed $30 million towards the development of the solar facility,” Corbell continued. “The government’s vision is to see Canberra move to a point where it produces zero net greenhouse gas emissions and this solar facility will play a major role in helping us realise that ambition.”