Solar future for Pt Augusta

After more than 60 years, the Playford Power Station will close in April

Solar developers are lining up to establish new projects in the South Australian city of Port Augusta to replace the contribution made to the economy by coal fired power.

Alinta Energy will close the Playford Power Station complex in April, along with the supporting coal operation in Leigh Creek.

Earlier plans to transform Playford into a solar thermal generation facility were abandoned by Alinta as being unviable, but since then four solar developers have reportedly begun discussions with local and state government about setting up in Port Augusta.

Solar Reserve has taken up the solar thermal idea with a bid for a $1 billion project, which would create 1000 jobs in the construction phase.

DP Energy has plans for 375MW wind and solar park, with development permission already applied for.

According to the Australian newspaper, Adelaide based Tindo Solar is looking at the viability of a manufacturing plant in the region to produce solar PV cells, while Reach Solar is also reportedly discussing a project.