Queensland's Renewable Expansion: Pacific Blue's Solar Farm Boosts Energy and Jobs

Queensland’s renewable energy landscape is set for a significant boost with Burdekin Shire Council’s recent approval for the expansion of Pacific Blue’s Haughton Solar Farm. This upgrade will see an additional 1,154 hectares of solar panels and a new 200MW battery energy storage system (BESS) added to the site, increasing its energy generation and providing greater grid stability.

Once the expansion is complete, the Haughton Solar Farm will deliver up to 400MW of solar power, a significant increase from its current 100MW output. This increase will be enough to power an additional 110,000 homes in the area. CEO of Pacific Blue, Domenic Capomolla, emphasized the impact of this expansion on both local energy stability and the community. “The development approval of stage two is a critical milestone toward achieving Australia’s renewable energy goals and will boost the local economy with new job opportunities,” he said.

The 200MW BESS, capable of storing solar energy for over two hours, will allow Haughton Solar Farm to store excess power during the day and release it during peak periods or at night. This energy storage is key to maintaining grid stability, providing a reliable power supply even when solar generation is low.

The expansion is part of Pacific Blue’s ambitious Burdekin Renewables Hub, a four-part plan that includes a 500MW wind farm and a 250MW/eight-hour pumped hydro storage system. Upon completion, the entire hub will generate enough power for approximately 290,000 homes, with the wind and hydro components supporting another 340,000 homes combined. “This expansion will be instrumental in supporting both Queensland’s and Australia’s renewable energy transition,” said Capomolla.

The expansion is expected to create 405 full-time jobs during construction, with ten permanent roles for the facility’s ongoing operations. Pacific Blue has shown a strong commitment to the Burdekin community, already contributing over $400,000 to local projects through the Haughton Sustainable Community Fund. This fund supports various initiatives, enhancing the local economy and promoting sustainable development in the region.

In line with Queensland’s push to blend agriculture with solar farms, Pacific Blue has initiated an agrisolar trial on the Haughton site, introducing 100 Dorper sheep to graze between solar panels. This innovative approach reduces landscaping and vegetation management costs, which have dropped by $500,000 since the trial began in 2022. The sheep also benefit from the environment, showcasing the potential of agrisolar to benefit both renewable energy and agricultural sectors.

With large-scale renewable projects like Pacific Blue’s expansion at Haughton Solar Farm, Queensland is moving closer to achieving its renewable energy targets. By integrating advanced solar, storage, and agrisolar practices, the state is creating a model for sustainable energy and economic growth.

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