Fotowatio Renewable Ventures Australia (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, and Canadian infrastructure fund OMERS, have achieved commercial operation status at their solar farm in Metz, Australia, and it is working at 100% of its capacity.
The plant has been generating clean energy since December 2021, contributing towards the energy demand and economic development of the local area, while helping to drive Australia’s transition to green energy.
Located in New South Wales, next to Hillgrove, 20 km East of Armidale and spanning over 248 hectares, the plant has a net annual energy production capacity of over 300,000 MWh, with an output of 115 MWac, capable of meeting the energy demand of up to 40,000 households.
Forming an important part of FRV Australia’s clean energy portfolio, now fully operational, the plant will further drive FRV’s mission to support Australia’s clean energy mandate.
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Metz Solar Farm project signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Snowy Hydro in 2018 and closed the financing agreement in December 2020 with Westpac and NORD/LB in the form of a Green Loan compliant with the Loan Market Association Green Loan Principles and the Green Projects requirements.
Fady Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Abdul Latif Jameel Energy is dedicated to empowering local communities to transition towards the use of more sustainable energy models.
"Metz Solar Farm reaffirms our ongoing commitment to working with likeminded partners to deliver innovative solutions that will contribute towards the world’s renewable energy targets.
"Such projects serve as a strong example of the impact that can be achieved through working together and combining our skills and expertise towards greater climate resilience and societal and economic development for all.”
So far, the project has positively impacted the local community, creating more than 100 jobs during construction. Some jobs will also be created mainly to perform asset management and operational maintenance.
Beon Energy Solutions (Beon) is the EPC Contractor which carried out the construction of the project.
FRV Australia’s CEO, Carlo Frigerio, said: "We are delighted to see that Metz Solar Farm is working at its full capacity and generating clean energy.
This is the fourth project that FRV has delivered in NSW and another key milestone for Australia’s energy transformation process ahead of the retirement of coal power stations in the coming years."
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