Jemalong Solar Farm
Client: Genex Power
Location: New South Wales
Date: January 2020 - April 2021
Supporting the development of a valuable renewable energy asset, capitalising on the Australian sun
Background
Large-scale solar is a key component in Australia’s energy transition to greater proportions of renewable energy. As coal-fired power stations retire, more utility-scale solar and wind farms will be needed to provide low-cost, clean electricity.
The Jemalong Solar Farm is a 50 MWac solar PV project on more than 165 hectares near Forbes in central-west New South Wales. The solar farm includes 152,000 panels mounted to a single-axis tracker.
Solution
Entura conducted due diligence work on the Jemalong Solar Project prior to the purchase of the project by Genex Power from Vast Solar. We were also engaged to deliver Owner’s Engineer services for the project, building on our strong relationship with Genex Power.
As Owner’s Engineer, we played an essential role in the achievement of timely, practical and quality outcomes for Genex Power during the design, construction and commissioning phases of the project. Our team worked closely and productively with Genex Power and with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, Beon Energy Solutions, in this role.
We supported Genex in its review of preliminary site work including geotechnical assessment, hydrology and pile testing, as well as review of EPC contract specifications, principal project requirements, and performance guarantees. Entura also completed a review of EPC contractor designs, management plans, inspection test plans, quality control reporting and commissioning tests. We undertook regular site inspections to monitor progress, construction quality, health, safety and environmental compliance, and to witness key stages of the project.
The project was largely completed during major COVID-19 lockdowns and in very wet conditions, posing significant challenges for schedule and logistics, as well as health, safety and environmental risk. The productive and practical approach by all parties working towards the same outcome was key to the safe, effective and timely delivery of a high-quality project in these circumstances.
Services provided
- technical due diligence
- Owner’s Engineer:
- design review
- construction and commissioning supervision
- site inspection
Outcome
Entura’s wealth of experience and capability in renewables and integration into the network made us an ideal choice of consultant. Construction on the solar farm was completed in the first quarter of 2021, with the farm beginning commercial operations that same year. It generates enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes, offsetting more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Entura’s involvement substantially reduced risk for Genex Power. By anticipating risk areas, providing timely reviews and inspections, and following through to resolve issues in an efficient manner we enabled the project to proceed to plan and meet Genex Power’s goals.
