Australia’s biggest solar farm – the Bungala solar project – is about 12 km north-east of Port Augusta in South Australia. The project is a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. The first two phases of the project – Bungala One and Two – cover approximately 800 hectares of rural land owned by the Bungala Aboriginal Corporation.
Each phase has grid-connected 110 MWAC solar power generation facilities. Bungala will use polycrystalline PV modules featuring a single-axis titling design. The power generated will travel underground from 2.5MW SMA inverter stations via 33kV feeders to the 33kV solar farm substation. This, in turn, will be connected to the 33/132kV network substation. From the 33/132kV network substation, new, above ground 132kV transmission lines will deliver the power to the grid.
Appointed as the Engineer, Procure and Contract (EPC) contractor, Green Light Contractors is responsible for all design, procurement, construction and associated works for the solar facility and the 33kV solar farm substation. In parallel, ElectraNet is responsible for the design, procurement and construction works relating to the 33/132kV network substation and transmission lines. Origin Energy will purchase the energy generated by the plant.
Independent engineer
WSP is the Financiers’ Independent Engineer for the construction and the first two years of operation for Bungala One and Two. In this role, we:
- Review design information provided by Principal’s Representative/Owner’s Engineer after the financial close
- Undertake site visits and inspections at critical milestones
- Provide a review of the monthly reports for the lenders
- Certify cost certificates in accordance with the Independent Certifier Agreement
- Certify the date on which practical completion is reached under the EPC contract
Transitioning to renewable energy
In May 2018, the Bungala One began production, feeding energy into the grid and marking the beginning of the transformation of a former coal city into a renewable energy hub. Bungala Two is also due to be completed in 2018.
The Bungala solar project supports the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target, which aims to generate 23.5% of energy from renewable sources by 2020. It is expected to provide enough energy for approximately 82,000 Australian homes and will offset 520,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
