Australia’s largest solar project becomes operational

Australia’s largest solar project becomes operationalThe Greenough River Solar project, which is often called the biggest solar solar farm in Australia, become operational on Wednesday.

The Greenough River Solar project is a joint initiative between Verve Energy that is owned by Western Australian state government and U. S. conglomerate General Electric. The project is located at outside the town of Walkaway in Western Australia and will generate about 10 megawatts of electricity that is enough to power 3,000 homes.

Jason Waters, chief executive of Verve Energy said, "The Greenough River Solar Farm demonstrates that renewable technologies can contribute to meeting Australia's future energy needs on a sustainable, cost-competitive basis."

It is the first Australian renewable energy project involving General Electric and there are plans to expand it to 40 megawatts. The power generated at the plant will be purchased by Western Australia Water Corporation and will be used to power a nearby desalination plant.

Australian government is aiming to get 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources till 2020. However, coal and gas-based utilities have been asking the authorities to review targets. The country currently generates 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources and most of it comes from hydro power plants.