A $420 million large-scale solar power plant – the biggest and most efficient solar photovoltaic power station in the world - is to be built in north-west Victoria.

Australian company Solar Systems will demonstrate its unique, world leading design incorporating space technology in a 154MW solar power station connected to the national grid.

The power station will use high performance solar cells originally developed to power satellites. Solar Systems has developed the capability to concentrate the sun by 500 times onto the solar cells for ultra high power output.

The Victorian power station will generate clean electricity directly from the sun to meet the annual needs of over 45,000 homes with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, announced a $75 million grant to the project under the Federal Government’s Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund (LETDF). Solar Systems was one of more than 30 companies that bid for $500 million under the LETDF program, which aims to foster competitive technology that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, announced that the Victorian Government will also support the project with a grant of $50 million; recognising the significant benefits that the project will bring to the State.

Further information:

Media Release

Fact Sheet - Economic Benefits

Fact Sheet - Environmental Effects

Solar Systems Corporate Profile

Heliostat Concentrator Photovoltaic technology

Frequently Asked Questions

External links:

Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund

Victorian Government

Australian Greenhouse Office