A NEW $40M solar farm capable of generating up to 23MW per annum is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Greater Shepparton City Council councillors approved the intention to enter into a lease for the land east of Toolamba Road.
A lease for the proposed solar farm at the GV Link site east of Toolamba Road has now been negotiated and council is proposing to lease the Land to GVCE Mooroopna Solar Pty Ltd, being a ‘Special Purpose Vehicle’ (SPV) which consists of Goulburn Valley Community Energy Pty Ltd (GVCE) and AKUO Energy Pty Ltd. The proposed lease is for a term of 25 years with an option to extend the lease for an additional 25 years.
A Greater Shepparton City Council spokesperson said, “Council officers will now progress to the next stage of the process which consists of advertising council’s intention to enter into a proposed lease with the SPV. The advertisement will take place on January 4, 2019 and will provide the public with 28 days to make public submissions.
“It is a requirement of the Local Government Act 1989 that any lease for a period of 10 years or more be advertised under section 223 to allow for any public submissions.
“The proposed lease is subject to a number of conditions relating to the planning and development of the solar farm, which include but are not limited to; obtaining approvals and finance and entering into Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) with relevant parties to purchase the electricity generated by the solar farm.
“The proposed lease would not commence until the SPV has received all approvals and secured PPAs and obtained the required finance for the project with a financial institution. Rent will not be payable until the lease commences on the commencement date following compliance with these lease conditions.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said that it was positive to see people pursuing renewable energy projects and outlined that renewable energy is a key focus not only across this region, but across the state.
“The subject land east of Toolamba Road had been set aside for water detention as part of the future GV Link project and council officers felt that the area north of the proposed water detention basin could be suitable for a solar farm,” Mayor O’Keeffe said.
