A newly-created company in Tasmania has proposed building up to 5 GW of solar, onshore and offshore wind farms in the Australian state, initially embarking on a project for a 288-MW photovoltaic (PV) park with battery storage.
TasRex Pty Ltd was introduced to the public by Tasmania’s minister for energy and renewables Nick Duigan on Thursday, along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government that will back the company’s ambitions. “The State needs more renewable electricity to meet the demand of our growing economy and future industries, to ensure our energy security, to keep power prices low, and continue our zero emissions status,” Duigan said.
Headed by Bess Clark, the former CEO of the Marinus Link transmission project, TasRex has selected a site in Tasmania’s Northern Midlands to accommodate its first project, namely the 288-MW Northern Midlands solar farm. The project envisages installing PV panels in an area currently used for agricultural purposes, a new 220-kV transmission line and a battery storage facility. Once generation begins, the site will continue to be used for grazing and farming.
Launceston-based TasRex said the scheme is in the planning phase, with options being explored for connecting the plant to the grid. It aims to start building works in 2026 and bring the PV park online in the following year.
