Solar modules maker First Solar Inc. (FSLR) said Monday it will design, construct and maintain two utility-scale solar photovoltaic power projects totaling 159 megawattsAC for AGL Energy Limited as part of Australia's Solar Flagships Program.
AGL was selected as the successful proponent in the solar PV category of the program and will receive federal and state government funding.
Under the program, AGL will develop a 106 MWAC project in Nyngan and a 53 MWAC project in Broken Hill, both in New South Wales. First Solar will design and construct the integrated PV power plants and will also maintain both projects for AGL Energy for their first five years of commercial operation. The electricity produced by the projects will be sold under power purchase agreements to AGL Hydro Partnership, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL.
The projects will be supported with funding provided by the federal government and the state government of New South Wales under separate funding agreements.
The projects are expected to provide approximately 350 GWh of energy annually. The projects are expected to create approximately 450 jobs at peak construction. Construction is expected to begin on both projects in 2014, with commercial operation in 2015. AGL will be the majority owner of the project vehicle.
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