A coal-fired power plant could prove to be an unexpected ally for the construction of a huge solar park in Queensland, Australia.
According to Renew Economy, Edify Energy has received approval to build a 200-megawatt solar farm and a 200MW/800MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) next to the Callide coal-fired power station, using the site’s existing infrastructure to feed the clean electricity generated into the national grid.
The state of Queensland wants to add 22 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035, and the Edify project will be located in one of 12 coordinated energy zones, according to PV Magazine. Once completed, the project will help reduce the need for dirty energy and lower residents’ energy bills.
“The project area is adjacent to the Callide power station and therefore the solar and energy storage facility can maximize its access to the grid and its ability to supply renewable energy to the grid,” Edify Energy told PV Magazine.
“The proposed BESS component will store excess energy generated by the solar farm and support the grid by supplying power to the grid during peak demand periods or when there is an energy shortage,” the company added.
While coal-fired power plants are usually the enemies of pollution-reduction efforts, this is an example of how damaging energy infrastructure can help on the path to a cleaner power grid. Of course, burning dirty fuels is a major cause of global warming, but the systems at coal-fired plants can help reduce the cost of building new renewable plants and bring sustainable energy to the grid much faster.
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This is not the only interesting partnership proposed for this site. Edify Energy also plans to bring 49 sheep to the field where the panels will be installed. This should help control plant growth, keep the panels clear and reduce the risk of wildfires. If the sheep can live harmoniously with the panels, the plan is to bring up to 1,000 sheep to the area.
“The combination of these land uses will create jobs through the construction of the solar farm and additional jobs through the ongoing use of the site as sheep pasture,” Edify said, according to PV Magazine. The company also noted that the soil will benefit from the shade provided by the panels, while the area could also help increase livestock fertility rates.
That sounds like a win-win-win situation, and this potential project shows that collaborating with existing or decommissioned dirty energy sites can bring good news for the planet.
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