Australian renewable energy generator and retailer Pacific Blue has secured approval from Burdekin Shire Council for a major expansion of its renewable infrastructure in North Queensland.
The expansion project will add 300 megawatts (MW) to the existing Haughton Solar Farm, creating enough capacity to power an additional 110,000 homes.
The plans also include a 200 MW Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS), marking a significant boost to the grid’s stability and storage capabilities.
The project involves an additional 1154 hectares of solar panels at Haughton Solar Farm, raising its total capacity to 400 MW.
When fully operational, the expanded solar facility will meet the power needs of approximately 290,000 homes, moving Pacific Blue closer to its goal of a sustainable energy future for Queensland.
The newly approved 200 MW BESS will store solar energy for release during peak demand times, including nighttime, ensuring a more resilient energy supply.
According to Domenic Capomolla, Pacific Blue CEO, this expansion marks a pivotal step toward achieving Australia’s renewable energy targets and supporting local job growth.
“Once this stage is complete, Haughton Solar Farm is expected to have a generating capacity of up to 500 MW and enough power for around 290,000 homes. This project is the second stage of the four-part plan for Pacific Blue’s Burdekin Renewables Hub,” he said.
Pacific Blue’s plan for the Burdekin Hub includes a future 500 MW wind farm, capable of powering 200,000 homes, and a 250 MW, eight-hour pumped hydro scheme to support an additional 140,000 homes.
Combined, these projects aim to provide versatile generation and storage solutions to support Queensland’s transition to renewable energy.
The expansion at Haughton is also expected to stimulate the local economy, creating 405 full-time construction jobs and 10 permanent roles.
Capomolla acknowledged the ongoing support from Burdekin Shire Council and the community, who have backed the solar farm since its commissioning in 2019.
Through the Haughton Sustainable Community Fund, Pacific Blue has contributed over $400,000 to more than 60 local initiatives, sharing the benefits of renewable energy with surrounding communities.
In line with Queensland’s goal of integrating agriculture with renewable projects, Pacific Blue has also pioneered an AgriSolar trial at Haughton, introducing 100 Dorper sheep to graze among the solar panels.
This initiative, launched in 2022, has already yielded impressive results, reducing landscaping costs by $500,000 while improving sheep wellbeing.
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