Lightsource bp, a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, and 50:50 JV with bp, has secured planning approval for upscaling plans for the Wellington North solar project, which was acquired from AGL last year. The 400MWdc site is adjacent to Lightsource bp’s near-complete 200MWdc Wellington solar farm. Once operational, the 600MWdc hub could become the state’s largest renewable energy power hub.
Adam Pegg, Country Manager – Lightsource bp Australia
Lightsource bp’s Wellington North solar farm will use 1.2 million bifacial solar panels – contributing to NSW’s ambition to increase its share of renewable energy to more than 60 percent by 2030 while also playing a critical role in helping bp meet its net zero ambitions.
Frédéric Baudry, president, bp Australia and SVP fuels & low carbon solutions, Asia Pacific
Despite the global challenges of COVID-19, solar power continues to demonstrate its resilience and reliability. The solar farm will provide direct economic stimulus in Wellington by creating 400 local employment opportunities during construction.
Alongside providing locally generated renewable energy and creating new jobs, the Wellington North solar farm has been designed to benefit the local environment and community. During the planning process, an information event was held to allow members of the local community to view and discuss the planned proposal, which was positively received. Throughout the planning process, Lightsource bp also engaged with specialists to provide impact assessment and expertise in key areas, including biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage.
Lightsource bp has designed the project to protect and enhance 163 ha of native vegetation and fauna habitat on the project site, including 232 hollow-bearing trees. Lightsource bp, in consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, has also designed the project to preserve Aboriginal heritage items, including two scarred trees which provide Aboriginal people with an important link to their culture and their past. The items located within the development site will be salvaged and collected prior to construction commencing and relocated to a suitable location on the project site.
Lightsource bp will also further its partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, through increasing its contribution to their local academy in Wellington, which aims to improve the education and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men through its activities.
Wellington North is the latest to join Lightsource bp’s portfolio of solar projects in Australia designed to help the country meet its renewable energy goals while also lowering power prices and benefiting local communities.
Since partnering with bp in 2017 and entering the market in 2018, Lightsource bp has developed a significant pipeline of large-scale solar projects across Australia. Together, Wellington North, Wellington, West Wyalong and Woolooga solar farms exceed over 900MWdc and once operational, will make Lightsource bp one of the largest solar developers to own and operate in Australia.
bp has been operating in Australia for more than 100 years. bp is one of Australia’s leading premium fuel retailers with around 1,400 branded retail fuel sites across the country, of which approximately 350 are company-owned, and more than 1,000 are owned and operated by our independent business partners.
bp is engaged in the exploration and production of oil, natural gas and liquefied natural gas and the marketing of petroleum and lubricant products in Australia.
bp has set an ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero. Our team in Australia is working hard on our low carbon goals via alternative energy solutions, technology and as a gas producer.
Find out more about bp in Australia.
bp Press Office – Australia
Peter Flowers
+61 (0)410 479 002
Email: peter.flowers@bp.com